Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm whether he has played his final match for Portugal after the nation’s World Cup exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to make an immediate decision on his international future following Portugal’s World Cup elimination, insisting he will not allow emotions to dictate such an important choice after their defeat to Spain.
The 41-year-old captained Portugal in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance, but he was unable to inspire his side to victory as Mikel Merino’s late winner handed Spain a narrow knockout triumph.
The last dance. @Cristiano Ronaldo captured on a 1950s film camera at the @FIFAWorldCup for the final time 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/Q2LlyzVk5q
— Miles | Expired Film Club (@expiredfilmclub) July 6, 2026
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence proceedings, prompting fresh speculation over whether he has now played his final match for his country.
Despite the growing questions surrounding his future, the veteran striker made it clear that no announcement is imminent. He stressed that he would not make such a significant decision in the immediate aftermath of a painful defeat.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment, nor do I want to take attention away from what was achieved at the World Cup because of a personal decision,” Ronaldo said after the match. “My assessment is that we could have done better. We were knocked out by a team that will possibly reach the final or get close to it. It was a well-fought match that could have gone either way.”
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Cristiano Ronaldo:: “I still don’t know if I’ll RETIRE from the Portuguese national team right now…”
“We’ll see. I don’t want to decide just yet; I need to discuss it with my family. I don’t want to distract attention with something personal…” pic.twitter.com/1ccGBV5WA8
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 6, 2026
Reflecting on Portugal’s campaign, Ronaldo admitted the disappointment of falling short but insisted he had no regrets about his own commitment. “I leave with a clear conscience. We gave our best, I gave my best, and when that’s the case, there’s nothing to regret,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner added.
The defeat also marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s spell as Portugal manager, with the Spaniard stepping down shortly after the match. Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to his departing coach, praising both his character and achievements during his time in charge of the national team.
“He was someone I loved working with. He’s a great human being and a great coach,” Ronaldo said. “What he did for Portugal was remarkable and deserves praise. He won a title for Portugal, which shows how good you have to be to win a title. I want to thank him and wish him all the best.”
While Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in disappointment, Ronaldo believes there were still positives to take from the campaign.
🚨🏆 Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’ve won Euro 2016 and for me it has same dimension as the World Cup”.
“That remains forever. Tomorrow is a new day, and we go”. pic.twitter.com/Dk9XIsHaiY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2026
“It’s always sad to leave a major tournament. The team was growing. I think we played a good game, which could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward. It’s frustrating to go out like this,” he concluded, leaving supporters waiting to discover whether his legendary international career will continue.
