Portugal’s round of 16 match with Spain on Monday remained scoreless for 90 minutes, but Mikel Merino’s late goal in stoppage time proved to be the difference.
Spain won 1-0, knocking Portugal out of the World Cup and 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo could face the end of his international career.
Fox Sports cameras captured the emotional scene as Ronaldo was seen crying on the field, shown on a big screen in the stadium as many of his teammates cheered in the background.
Check it out:
Cristiano Ronaldo looks emotional after Portugal’s defeat in his final FIFA World Cup match ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jc1ZNjfO0X
– Fox Sports (@FOXSports) 6 July 2026
Ronaldo confirmed that this would be his final World Cup, as he would be 45 by the time of the 2030 tournament. However, he seemed less sure about whether he would retire from international football altogether.
“Yes, this was my last World Cup, but as far as the rest of the World Cups are concerned, as I have said, I don’t take decisions rashly.” Ronaldo said. “I will be with my family, think things over and move on with life.”
Ronaldo after the match clarify Reflecting on the impact he had on Portuguese football during his illustrious career, he left everything on the field.
He said, “Now I am sad after being eliminated like this…but I gave everything, gave my best.” “I’m leaving with a clear conscience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Tomorrow is a new day and life goes on.”
“I put Portugal on the map by winning three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything.”
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