Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Cristiano Ronaldo last World Cup confirmation came before Portugal’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Spain in Dallas, where the 41-year-old superstar said this tournament will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Ronaldo has already made history at the tournament by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup editions, and Portugal now face one of their toughest tests against Spain.
The build-up comes after another dramatic knockout match, with Alireza Faghani taking centre stage in England’s World Cup win over Mexico.
Ronaldo Confirms Final World Cup
“This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game,” he said.
“The day will come (when I retire). But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I’ve given everything in football.
“I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it... You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals (at this World Cup).
“I’m not doing too badly, right?”
Ronaldo’s comments came with Portugal preparing for a high-pressure knockout meeting with Spain, a team viewed among the leading contenders to win the tournament.
Criticism Still Fuels Him
Ronaldo also hit back at pundits and critics who have questioned him throughout his long international career.
“You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it’s a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try,” he said.
“As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose, you always ask the same question.
“I don’t want to draw attention to this because it is less important.”
Spain Test Could Define Farewell
Portugal enter the Spain clash as underdogs to advance, with bookmakers rating the Spaniards as one of the tournament’s strongest sides behind France and Argentina.
For Ronaldo, the stakes are simple: one more World Cup match could become another chapter, or the final scene of an international career built on goals, records and defiance.
Official tournament updates are available through FIFA.
