• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo in tears as Portugal knocked out by Spain in star's last World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to have played his final game for Portugal on the World Cup stage as rumours the Manchester United legend will be calling it quits on his national team career

[ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection after the team's 0-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)]

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared emotional following defeat to Spain in the round of 16(Image: Getty Images)

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo was seen appearing to try hold back the tears as his Portugal side were dumped out of the World Cup by Spain.

The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was hoping for a fairytale ending to what is believed to be his last World Cup with rumours he may retire from international football after this tournament.

As the game looked to be heading to extra time in the round of 16 clash, Spain snatched a late winner in stoppage time.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino became Spain's hero in a scrappy tie as World Cup fans may have seen Ronaldo for the last time on the international stage just days after he made history.

[ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection after the team's 0-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)]

Ronaldo is rumoured to be ending his national team career(Image: Getty Images)

The 41-year-old became the first player to score at six different tournaments when he grabbed two goals in his countrys 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan. But reports suggest this might not be his last World Cup but his last international tournament as well.

However, Ronaldo appeared to hit back at reports during a media conference at the World Cup yesterday (July 8). He told them that he will retire from international football when I want to, not when you want me to.

Ronaldo, quoted by Portuguese paper A Bola, told a press conference: Im always body and soul to help the national team. Playing or not playing, I will always have an important role.

[Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo waves to fans after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images)]

Ronaldo raised his hand appearing to say goodbye as he left the pitch (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ill finish when I want to, not when you want me to. Its a waste of time to keep asking that question.

But I dont want to turn my attention to that. The most important thing is (the game against Spain on Monday).

After over 20 years as a professional footballer at the highest level, having began his career at 16, Ronaldo has a contact with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabi until 2027 with speculation he may retire from football altogether.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.