Cristiano Ronaldo confirms his last World Cup appearance after Portugal's defeat to Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has played his last World Cup game following Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last-16 on December 6, 2022, in Dallas. The emotional loss marks the end of an illustrious World Cup journey for the 41-year-old captain, who reflected on his career with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Legacy

Ronaldo's last match saw him walk off the pitch in tears, concluding a remarkable 23-year international career. He has made 233 appearances for Portugal and is the only player to have scored in six World Cups. Despite the heartbreak of elimination, he emphasized his satisfaction with the legacy he leaves behind.

“I am sad to leave like this but I have given everything, always given my best,” Ronaldo stated. “I go with a clear conscience. This is football; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You have to carry on.” He highlighted that winning the European Championship in 2016 was as significant as a World Cup victory for him.

Portugal's Manager Praises Ronaldo

Following the match, Portugal's manager, Roberto Martínez, praised Ronaldo for his leadership and performance, stating, “He has been an exemplary captain.” Martínez defended his decision not to substitute Ronaldo during the game, emphasizing the need for his experience in critical moments.

“When you need a goal, you cannot take him off,” Martínez explained. “He’s physically very capable; anything in the box, you need his experience.” This sentiment reflects the deep respect Ronaldo commands within the team, despite concerns about his on-field performance.

Looking Ahead: Ronaldo's Future

As he steps away from the World Cup stage, Ronaldo has not made any definitive decisions about his future. He mentioned, “There will be time to think, to be with my family, [I will] not make decisions in the heat of the moment.” His next steps remain uncertain, but his contribution to football and Portugal's national team will be remembered.

Ronaldo's departure from the World Cup marks the end of an era for both him and the Portuguese national team, which has seen unprecedented success during his tenure.