Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is still performing at a high level and refuses to discuss retirement ahead of Portugal’s crucial World Cup Round of 16 clash against Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo has brushed aside criticism of his performances and refused to be drawn into retirement talk ahead of Portugal’s blockbuster World Cup Round of 16 clash with Spain, insisting his only focus is helping his country reach the quarter-finals.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the 41-year-old rejected suggestions that he has struggled during the tournament.
Ronaldo pointed to his tally of three goals and expressed confidence that Portugal have what it takes to eliminate one of the favourites for the trophy.
Reflecting on Portugal’s World Cup campaign so far, Ronaldo described it as a positive experience and praised the team’s steady improvement. He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining peak performances throughout a tournament but believes Roberto Martinez’s side are well prepared for the challenge ahead.
The veteran forward also highlighted the unity within the Portugal squad, saying the players have developed a strong bond on and off the pitch. According to Ronaldo, the team’s calm approach and quality give them every reason to believe they can compete with the very best.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: “People question me starting at 41? It’s been 23 years with people trying to kill me…”. 🔪
“But they know now they’re wasting their time”.
“They try, try, try… but it’s not worth it”.
“I am used to that”. pic.twitter.com/fGbwSmhZWY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2026
Asked about his continued influence on the national team, Ronaldo insisted his importance goes beyond whether he starts matches. He said he has always been committed to Portugal since making his international debut at 18 and vowed to continue supporting the squad in every possible way.
Questions about whether this could be his final World Cup were once again met with a firm response. Ronaldo reiterated that he alone will decide when to retire and refused to allow speculation about his future to distract from Portugal’s biggest match of the tournament.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke passionately about what representing Portugal still means to him. He said every appearance in the national team’s colours fills him with immense pride and that stepping onto the pitch continues to feel as special as it did at the start of his international career.
Ronaldo admitted this World Cup has been his most emotional yet, not because of goals or individual achievements, but because of the overwhelming support shown by fans from around the world.
“Vai ser o meu último mundial” 🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo 😢#DAZNFIFAWC pic.twitter.com/aESFoNG9Tr
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) July 5, 2026
He said meeting supporters who were moved to tears reminded him that football’s impact stretches far beyond the game itself.
Looking ahead to the showdown with Spain, Ronaldo said he would leave the tournament with no regrets regardless of the outcome.
He insisted he has given everything to football throughout his career, continues to play because of his love for the game, and remains convinced that his performances have been stronger than some critics have suggested.
