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Speaking after the defeat, Ronaldo said he felt calm despite the disappointment. "I'm fine, sad to leave the World Cup this way," he said, adding that he had given everything and could walk away with a clear conscience. He explained that football, like life, comes with wins and losses, and the only option is to keep moving forward.
The veteran forward also mentioned that he plans to spend time with his family before making any major decisions, wanting to avoid choices made in an emotional moment right after such a big loss.
A Career Spanning Six World Cups
Ronaldo's World Cup story began back in 2006 in Germany, where he scored his first tournament goal against Iran and helped Portugal reach the semi-finals for the first time in four decades. From there, he became a fixture at the World Cup, finding the net at every edition that followed — South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.
This year's tournament added another milestone to his already remarkable résumé. During Portugal's group-stage clash with Uzbekistan, Ronaldo created space inside the box and struck a first-time finish off a cross, becoming the first player ever to score at six different World Cups.
By the time his 2026 campaign ended, Ronaldo had featured in 27 World Cup matches, placing him second on the all-time list for appearances, and had scored 11 goals across his six tournaments.
Reflecting on a Trophy-Filled Journey
Even though a World Cup title eluded him throughout his career, Ronaldo pointed to the silverware he helped bring home for Portugal at other major tournaments. He highlighted winning the European Championship along with two UEFA Nations League titles, noting that Portugal had never won a major trophy before his arrival on the international stage.
"I won three titles for Portugal," he said, referring to his continental successes. He added that he takes pride in what he accomplished for his country, saying he leaves this World Cup chapter with no regrets, ready to face whatever comes next.
