- Cristiano Ronaldo exited his last World Cup match with a stoic look on his face and only the slightest hint of emotion.
- The sixth and final World Cup for the 41-year-old superstar ended with a 1-0 loss to border rival Spain in a round of 16 game.
- Ronaldo stated, I've given everything, I've given my best, and I leave with a clear conscience after the match.
- He reiterated that this was his last time in the tournament that's played every four years.
- Ronaldo was denied a goal in the first half against Spain when goalkeeper Unai Simón made an impressive leaping stop.
- Ronaldo, the only player to score goals in six World Cups in a row, is the career leader in international goals with 146.
- The deepest Ronaldo ever went in the World Cup was the semifinals in his 2006 debut.
- Portugal coach Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo as an example and role model for future players.
Cristiano Ronaldo exited his final World Cup with a stoic expression after Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of 16. The 41-year-old superstar, who holds the record for the most international goals with 146, reflected on his career, stating, "I've given everything... and I leave with a clear conscience."23
Ronaldo, the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups, confirmed this was his last tournament appearance, saying, "Yes, it was my last World Cup, but everything else I'll have time to think about, to be with my family..." He expressed sadness over the elimination, noting, "Sad — it's normal after being eliminated like this."
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, praised Ronaldo as a football icon, stating, "He is an example, a role model to follow... I think we need to thank him." Ronaldo was denied a goal in the first half by Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simón, who made an impressive save. Ronaldo's legacy as a player who has inspired many will be remembered as he moves on from the World Cup stage.8
“The 41-year-old, the only player to score in six consecutive World Cups, finishes with 146 international goals. He was denied a goal in the first half by record-setting goalkeeper Unai Simón, and Portugal coach Roberto Martínez called him 'an example' and 'a football icon' despite the 1-0 loss.”
