Cristiano Ronaldo has played his final World Cup match following Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16, leaving the veteran forward to reflect on his future in international football. The match took place on Tuesday in Dallas, where a stoppage-time goal by Mikel Merino ended Portugal’s campaign and halted Ronaldo’s long-standing quest for a World Cup title. The loss also marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal’s head coach.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo made his 233rd appearance for Portugal in what he confirmed would be his last World Cup. While he stated that he would not reverse his decision to end his World Cup career, he refrained from confirming whether he would retire from international play altogether. “I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best. I go with a clear conscience,” he said. He emphasized the need to take time before making any further decisions, adding that he wanted to avoid acting “in the heat of the moment,” and planned to spend time with his family.

Ronaldo’s Portugal exit rounds off a storied international career. Despite his success at club level and his historic status as the top scorer in men’s international football, a World Cup victory has eluded him. He pointed to the 2016 European Championship triumph as a pinnacle achievement with the national team, underscoring its significance alongside the World Cup. Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo acknowledged football’s unpredictable nature: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

In the match itself, Ronaldo struggled to influence the game, managing three goal attempts but largely appearing peripheral as Portugal’s attack faltered. Observers noted that his performance seemed diminished from his peak years, highlighting the challenges faced by the forward in the later stages of his career. After the final whistle, Ronaldo left the stadium alone, a poignant image for the conclusion of his World Cup journey.

The defeat not only halted Portugal’s progress in the tournament but also brought changes to the team’s coaching staff, with Roberto Martinez stepping down following the loss. As for Ronaldo, his next steps remain uncertain, with the player indicating he needs time to contemplate his future direction in the coming months.