"I am sad to leave the World Cup this way, but I gave my all and leave with a clear conscience", Ronaldo said after the 0-1 loss to Spain at the stadium in Dallas, Texas on 6/7. This tournament marked his final World Cup appearance. He added, "Now I will have time to think and be with my family. I will not make hasty decisions".

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the match between Portugal and Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the stadium in Dallas, Texas, US, on 6/7/2026. Photo: AP

Asked if this marked his farewell to the national team, the Portugal captain declined to make a decision while emotional. He also stated he did not want a personal decision to overshadow the team's achievements at the World Cup.

Ronaldo's remarks drew attention due to his assessment of the Euro 2016 championship. "I woke up today with a clear conscience", he explained. "I have won three championships with Portugal. Before my time, the national team had no titles. The biggest title the team ever won was Euro 2016, and for me, it holds the same importance as a World Cup championship. I truly believe that".

Ronaldo, with Portugal, won Euro 2016, the UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025. Over more than two decades representing the national team, he has always considered playing for his country a source of pride and an unforgettable experience. "If I could send a message to my younger self when I debuted in 2003, I would say: 'Always dedicate yourself to your country and its colors. When you do that, you will have a clear conscience because you pushed yourself to the limit'".

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) attempts a shot while being challenged by Aymeric Laporte during the match between Portugal and Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the stadium in Dallas, Texas, US, on 6/7/2026. Photo: AP

Ronaldo repeatedly mentioned the phrase "clear conscience" during this interview and also used it in the pre-match press conference. Despite the unfavorable outcome, the 41-year-old forward expressed no regrets. "I did everything I could. When you try your hardest, there is nothing left for others to criticize", he emphasized.

In the match, Ronaldo played the entire game against Spain, while substitute striker Goncalo Ramos was not used. Just when Portugal seemed poised to take the reigning European champions into extra time, midfielder Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in second-half stoppage time, securing Spain's 1-0 victory.

CR7 suggested the match was well-balanced and decided by a single, special moment. "Spain had a bit of luck scoring in the final minutes, but that is football", he said. "We played a good match. It is sad to be eliminated from the World Cup, but the team has improved, and we must continue. Spain is capable of reaching the final or getting close to it".

A missed chance by Ronaldo in the loss to Spain.

Ronaldo also paid tribute to coach Roberto Martinez, who is likely to depart the national team after this match. He remarked that the Spanish coach was always excellent both professionally and personally, and his contributions to Portugal deserve recognition. "Many people do not fully appreciate it, but Portugal previously had no titles", the 41-year-old captain said. "In recent years, the team has consistently won championships. That shows how difficult it is to win with Portugal".

When asked about the possibility of coach Jorge Jesus replacing Martinez to lead the Portugal national team, Ronaldo declined to comment. As a player, Jesus was a right midfielder who came through the Sporting Lisbon academy, just like Ronaldo. He won no titles as a player but has coached teams to 25 titles, including the Saudi League last season with Al Nassr—Ronaldo's first club championship in five years. This summer, Jesus departed, making way for Ange Postecoglou, the former coach of Australia and Tottenham.

Ronaldo concluded the 2026 World Cup with three goals, including his first in a knockout round. He also set a record by scoring in six World Cups, despite being eliminated in the round of 16. The 41-year-old forward still missed out on a final appearance. In the five previous tournaments, Portugal's deepest run was to the semi-finals in 2006, which was also Ronaldo's first World Cup.

Hoang An (according to Record)