Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that the ongoing World Cup with Portugal will be his final appearance on the global stage. At 41 years old, Ronaldo stated in a press conference before Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain that he aims to savor this tournament as his last World Cup, expressing hope that it won’t be his final game.
Ronaldo’s decision marks the end of an era for football fans who have followed his international career since his debut in 2003. With 146 goals in 232 matches for Portugal, he holds the record for the most goals scored by a player in international football history.
Despite facing criticism for a slow start in the current tournament, Ronaldo recently made history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup editions. His exceptional performance included a double against Uzbekistan, where Portugal secured a convincing 5-0 victory in the group stage.
Additionally, Ronaldo surpassed Eusebio’s long-standing record by reaching 10 goals in World Cup matches, becoming the second oldest player to score in the competition at 41 years and 138 days, behind Roger Milla from Cameroon.
As Portugal prepares for a crucial round of 16 clash with Spain on July 6 in Dallas, Texas, Ronaldo’s legacy in the World Cup remains significant. While Portugal has never won the tournament, finishing third in 1966, Ronaldo’s quest for the prestigious trophy continues as he aims to lead his team to victory in the current edition against tough opponents like Spain, the USA, Belgium, and potentially France or Morocco in the later stages.