Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the media on July 6, 2026, ahead of Portugal's World Cup last-16 match against Spain. The 41-year-old star confirmed this World Cup would be his last, amidst mixed reviews of his performance, having scored three goals but also faced criticism for his play. He stated, "You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it."
Ronaldo's Last World Cup and Performance
As Portugal prepares for their crucial match against Spain, questions arise about Ronaldo's role on the team. Despite being the all-time leading scorer in international football with 146 goals, some believe he should take a lesser role. Ronaldo's sister labeled this tournament as his "last dance," which adds to the emotional weight of the occasion.
In the knockout stage against Croatia, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot, his first goal in that phase of the tournament. However, he was substituted shortly after, a decision that sparked debate about his current effectiveness. Coach Roberto Martinez noted, "His leadership and that work in the final third is still one of the best in the world." Nevertheless, the team's performance without him has raised questions about whether they are better off without their captain.
Debate Over Ronaldo's Starting Position
As Portugal faces Spain, discussions intensify over whether Ronaldo should start. His recent statistics show he has had fewer than 25 touches in three of Portugal's four matches, marking some of the lowest averages in his World Cup career. Critics argue that this could hinder the team's chances as they advance in the tournament.
