Cristiano Ronaldo's international career came to an end after Portugal was beaten 1-0 by Spain in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino scoring the winner in stoppage time
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer
09:36, 07 Jul 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be in tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be in tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain(Image: BBC Sport)
Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears as his international career drew to a close following Portugal's World Cup elimination at the hands of Spain.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino netted the decisive goal in stoppage time as the European Champions advanced to the quarterfinals courtesy of a 1-0 triumph. That's great news for Victor Munoz, Liverpool's newest winger, as he is part of Spain's squad for this summer's tournament. Munoz didn't feature in Monday's game.
The defeat signals the conclusion of Ronaldo's international journey, as well as that of head coach Roberto Martinez, who confirmed he would be stepping down following the tournament. The 41-year-old was unable to inspire his nation to overcome Luis de la Fuente's side, with Merino's solitary strike proving the difference between the two teams.
Ahead of the last-16 clash with Spain, Ronaldo had confirmed that this summer's tournament, held across America, Canada, and Mexico, would be his swansong. It brings down the curtain on a glittering career that includes ending Portugal's long wait for major honors with the European Championship triumph in 2016.
He said: "Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match. I will finish when I choose. You always ask the same question: Is this the last one?
"We will see. I don't want to draw attention to this; the most important thing is to play well tomorrow. I'm going to be perfectly honest, regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1,000 percent leaving with a clear conscience.
New Liverpool star Victor Munoz is part of Spain's World Cup squad
New Liverpool star Victor Munoz is part of Spain's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)
"I have given all I could to football, it's my passion to play for so many years. I didn't do it out of need; I'm doing well out of life. It's about passion. I play for the national team, and I love to play football.
"Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I'm not going to exert pressure on myself that I must win. You have to enjoy every match at a huge competition like the World Cup. I think I'm not doing so bad. I've scored three goals, others have done better, but I think I'm doing not so bad."
After the final whistle, he found himself mobbed by television cameras attempting to document his last moments as Portugal skipper. They succeeded in capturing a crestfallen Ronaldo as he absorbed the acclaim one last time, his Portugal journey, which began in Chaves 23 years earlier, concluding in Texas at the World Cup.
It has proved a challenging tournament for Ronaldo this summer, after he faced scrutiny over his performance in their opening group draw with DR Congo.
The 41-year-old drew criticism for his display against the African nation, managing just 25 touches in a frustrating start to the team's campaign.
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He responded with an impressive performance against Uzbekistan, netting twice in the 5-0 triumph while playing a pivotal role in securing an opening victory.
He failed to get on the scoresheet in their final group stage fixture against Colombia, and made headlines when he was hauled off nine minutes from time during the Round of 32 encounter against Croatia, despite having netted the opening goal in the 2-1 victory.
On Monday, he could only look on as his nation suffered yet another agonizing early exit from a major tournament, with Merino wrapping up a sweeping Spanish move in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.