World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo, the end of an era

06.07.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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Spain

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The curtain has fallen on one of the greatest chapters in football history. Cristiano Ronaldo played his final match at the World Cup against Spain.

At the final whistle of the clash between Spain and Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo could not hold back his tears. His team was knocked out by a goal from Mikel Merino in stoppage time.

The Portuguese international (233 caps, 146 goals) announced that this was his last World Cup, while leaving the door open for his international future. “The truth is, this was my last World Cup, but as for the rest, I’ll have time to think, to be with my family, to not make any rash decisions, and I’ll continue with my life,” he said.

Like Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa, Cristiano Ronaldo played in his sixth World Cup. He racked up 27 appearances, with only Lionel Messi ahead of him with 30 matches. Ronaldo is the only player in history to have scored in six different World Cup finals tournaments and is the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history (41 years old), behind Roger Milla.

With 11 goals and 2 assists to his name, he never managed to deliver the prestigious trophy to Portugal, with his best run being a semi-final appearance in 2006. While his last match came against Spain on July 7, 2026, his first dates back 20 years, against Angola on June 11, 2006.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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