Everything you need to know about Ronaldo’s World Cup career as it ends in Spain’s loss | World Cup 2026 news

The Portugal captain became the only player to score six goals in World Cups after another strike against Uzbekistan.

It was a humid evening, stuck in Dallas The curtain fell on Cristiano Ronaldo’s best career in the World Cup Portugal lost to Spain in their Round of 16 match.

The game on Monday marked the last time the football legend reached his country in the international competition, where he left his record six.

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Ronaldo confirmed his World Cup farewell after the match, saying: “I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this.”

“I did everything I could. I did everything I could, and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I’ll have time to think and be with my family. I won’t make hasty decisions.”

The 41-year-old did not confirm whether he had played his last game for Portugal, saying he did not want to do anything that could derail the team’s campaign.

Ronaldo took one last look around the Dallas Stadium as he burst into tears and applauded the crowd before slowly making his way to the box office for the last time, with the driver’s seat belt in his hand.

Although he leaves without ever lifting a World Cup trophy, Ronaldo is one of the few players to have had such an illustrious career.

What is Ronaldo’s record in the World Cup?

Ronaldo became the first and only player to play in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) when his goal helped Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in group stage.

The international is Portugal’s most capped player, having played 27 games scoring 11 goals for his country.

His penalty kick against Croatia became his first World Cup goal and made him the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days.

Overall, he is the second oldest goalscorer at the World Cup after Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who was 42 years and 39 days old when he scored against Russia in 1994.

How does Ronaldo compare to his teammate Messi in terms of big numbers?

The Portuguese captain has played 27 games compared to Lionel Messi’s 30, which has risen as the Argentine captain continues to defend his team.

Messi extended his legacy as the all-time leading scorer in the World Cup when he scored 20 goals leading his team to victory against the mighty Cape Verde in Miami last week.

While Ronaldo, Messi and former Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa share the honor of playing in six World Cups, Ronaldo tops his fellow Argentine by scoring in every international tournament, with Messi failing to score in 2010.

What’s next for the Portuguese player?

Ronaldo made the emotional announcement of his World Cup swansong, albeit of his own volition, during a press conference on Sunday.

“I have given everything I can to football. I have loved playing for many years. I didn’t do it out of lack; I am doing well in life. It is a passion. I play for the national team, and I love playing football,” said the 41-year-old.

He is expected to announce his retirement from international football but is expected to continue playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr, who won the league title.

Meanwhile, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said he was stepping down after the loss to Spain, calling the defeat the end of the team’s campaign.

Martinez hailed Ronaldo as an exemplary captain and thanked him for his performance in Portugal, avoiding any comment on the player’s future.