The removal of Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup left one of the most emotional images of the tournament: Cristiano Ronaldo crying after the 1-0 defeat against Spain.
To his 41 yearsthe Portuguese captain played his last World Cup, fighting until the end to keep his team alive.
Consoled by teammates and coaching staff, Cristiano Ronaldo said goodbye between tearsleaving open the mystery about your future with the Portugal national team and the closing of a historic era.
Cristiano Ronaldo played his last World Cup
The Portuguese captain, Cristiano Ronaldofought throughout the match to keep his team alive, but the result ended up favoring the rival and put an end to the Portuguese participation in the World Cup 2026.
Once the defeat was consummated, the cameras captured Cristiano Ronaldo crying while being comforted by teammates and members of the coaching staff.
At 41 years old, this edition of the World Cup was the Portuguese star’s last opportunity to win the only major title missing from his extraordinary record.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated by Spain. (Julio Cortez / AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire from the Portugal National Team?
The future of Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portugal national team It has not yet been officially defined even by the player himself.
However, the elimination has sparked speculation about the possible closing of an era for one of the greatest footballers of all time.