Cristiano Ronaldo concluded his sixth and final FIFA World Cup appearance on Monday as Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 following a 1-0 loss to Spain. The 41-year-old forward, who has been a central figure in international football for nearly two decades, exited the tournament with a composed demeanor and a clear sense of fulfillment.

After the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the disappointment of elimination but emphasized that he had given his all. “I’ve given everything, I’ve given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience,” he said. “This is soccer, this is life for a soccer player. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.” Prior to the game, the veteran had expressed hope that he would continue his run in the tournament, but reaffirmed following the defeat that this would mark his final World Cup.

Ronaldo’s World Cup career began in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals—his deepest run in the competition. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups and holds the record for the most international goals scored by a male player, with 146 career strikes for Portugal.

In Monday’s match against Spain, Ronaldo was denied a scoring opportunity early by Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón, who made a notable save on a backward kick attempt following a header from teammate João Félix. Ronaldo registered three shots during the game, two of which were on target, but was unable to find the net as Portugal fell to their Iberian rivals.

Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, praised Ronaldo’s career and legacy, calling him “a football icon” and emphasizing the player’s role as an example and inspiration within the national team. He credited Ronaldo with helping Portugal achieve its first major international title, the 2016 European Championship, and subsequent Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s final World Cup performance came eight years after he scored a hat trick against Spain at age 33, making him the oldest player at the time to achieve that feat in the tournament. The record was later surpassed by Lionel Messi, who scored three goals at the age of 38 during the same competition. In the current World Cup, Ronaldo netted three goals, bringing his total tally in the tournament to 11, tying him for ninth place on the all-time World Cup goals list.

On his future beyond the World Cup, Ronaldo stated he had no immediate plans and intended to take time to reflect and spend time with family before making any decisions regarding his career.