Cristiano Ronaldo Says He Won’t Rush Retirement Decision After Final World Cup Appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will take time before deciding on the next chapter of his career after confirming that Portugal’s defeat to Spain marked the final FIFA World Cup appearance of his illustrious career.

Portugal’s campaign came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday. Speaking after the match, the 41-year-old captain acknowledged that he had played his last World Cup but said he would not make any quick decisions about his future.

“It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life,” Ronaldo said.

The Portuguese legend described the defeat as part of the reality of football, saying every player’s journey eventually comes to an end.

“That’s football. That’s the life of a footballer,” he added.

Despite falling short of lifting the World Cup trophy, Ronaldo said he leaves the tournament with no regrets, pointing to Portugal’s triumph at the 2016 European Championship as one of the proudest moments of his career.

“The biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016, which for me is just as significant as a World Cup, honestly,” he said.

“That’s why I’m leaving with a clear conscience, at my best, and that’s it. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on.”

Ronaldo ends his World Cup journey as one of football’s greatest players and the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. Although he never captured the World Cup title, his career with Portugal includes the historic 2016 European Championship and two decades of remarkable achievements on the international stage.