The match between Portugal and Spain in the World Cup round of 16 marked a turning point in the history of football.

After the final whistle, and his team’s subsequent elimination, Cristiano Ronaldo brought his World Cup career with the Portuguese national team to a close.

The striker has officially played his last match at a World Cup.

At the age of 41, the Portuguese captain leaves behind more than two decades of total dedication to his country. He led his national team through six consecutive World Cups.

His presence completely transformed the mindset of Portuguese football and propelled it to the very forefront of the elite.

A record-breaker for goals and appearances

Cristiano leaves as his national team’s all-time leading goalscorer and as the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, with a tally of over 145 goals.

Furthermore, he is the player with the most appearances for Portugal, ahead of Portuguese football legends such as Eusébio, Pepe, Luis Figo and Pauleta, amongst others.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup statistics:

  • 27 matches played
  • 11 goals
  • 2 assists

The titles that will stand the test of time

Under his captaincy, Portugal won the most important titles in its history. Firstly, the striker led the team to victory at Euro 2016 in France.

Years later, he lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy on two occasions: in 2019 and 2025.

Before his era, Portugal had no international titles to its name.

“I’ll leave happy and with a clear conscience. I’ve played for the national team out of passion” – Cristiano Ronaldo

Among the elite at six World Cups

His legacy at the World Cup is also immense. Ronaldo set the record for playing in and scoring at six consecutive World Cups.

To be more precise: he is the only player in history to have scored in six consecutive World Cups. A legendary feat.

Here is a look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup record:

  • Germany 2006: Knocked out in the semi-finals

  • South Africa 2010: Knocked out in the round of 16

  • Brazil 2014: Eliminated in the group stage

  • Russia 2018: Knocked out in the Round of 16

  • Qatar 2022: Knocked out in the quarter-finals

  • United States, Canada and Mexico 2026: Knocked out in the Round of 16

However, it is also true that the World Cup trophy is the only thing left for him to achieve with his national team.

He has already won everything else.

‘The Bicho’ who became a legend

His competitive spirit served as an example for the new generations of Portuguese footballers who will now have to follow in his footsteps.

The legend, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner throughout his career, bids farewell to the World Cup with his head held high.

Portugal loses its greatest ever on-pitch icon, although CR7’s legacy will live on forever in every footballer who pulls on the Portuguese shirt.

Now, it remains to be seen whether there will be room for one last international appearance by Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portuguese national team.

It cannot be ruled out that he might play a few more friendlies to bid a final farewell to the national team.

Only he knows the answer...

But the truth is that today marks the end of an absolute World Cup legend.