Ronaldo speaks out for the first time about his future with the Portugal national team after their exit from the 2026 World Cup.
On 7 July 2026 GMT+7, Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and striker of Portugal, gave his latest interview following their narrow 0-1 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, with Miguel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 90+1 minute.
This result ended Ronaldo's and Portugal’s hopes of winning their first World Cup, leaving his future with the national team and professional football uncertain—whether to close this chapter or continue.
Cristiano Ronaldo revealed about his future with Portugal after the 2026 World Cup, saying, "I am saddened to leave the World Cup this way. I gave everything I had and performed to the best of my ability."
"So I close this chapter with nothing left unresolved. Although this was my last World Cup, from now on I will take time to reflect and spend time with my family. I will not rush any decisions without careful consideration."
However, the 41-year-old Ronaldo did not clearly confirm whether this was his final match for Portugal, stating, "I will not make any decisions while emotions are still running high."
"I have played for the national team for 23 years, winning three titles for Portugal. Before my era, Portugal had never won any major trophies."
"The greatest achievement the national team has ever made was winning Euro 2016, which, honestly, means as much to me as winning a World Cup."
Cristiano Ronaldo contributed to Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, playing 233 international matches and scoring 146 goals—the most in the national team’s history.
If he continues to represent Portugal through Euro 2028, Ronaldo will be 43 years old.