Cristiano Ronaldo hopes Spain won't be his final World Cup match
Cristiano Ronaldo enters Portugal's Round of 16 showdown against Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing it could mark the end of his World Cup journey.
Cristiano Ronaldo enters Portugal's Round of 16 showdown against Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing it could mark the end of his World Cup journey.
Speaking ahead of the Iberian clash, the Portugal captain admitted he hopes the match will not be his last appearance on football's biggest stage.
"I hope it's not my last World Cup match"
Asked whether the game against Spain could be his farewell to the World Cup, Cristiano answered with his trademark sense of humor while acknowledging what is at stake.
"I hope tomorrow isn't my last World Cup match. I hope it isn't, so people can keep criticizing me."
Although he avoided confirming retirement, Ronaldo suggested that a defeat to Spain could bring his World Cup career to an end.
He also insisted that outside opinions will never determine when he walks away from the game.
"I've always given everything and that won't change, whether I play or not. I'll stop when I decide to, not when other people want me to. The most important thing is to play well and qualify."
Cristiano responds to his critics
The Portugal captain made it clear that criticism no longer affects him.
"Comments don't affect me. The support of the fans is what matters. Everything else is just noise."
Ronaldo emphasized that his focus remains entirely on helping Portugal continue its World Cup campaign.
"Winning a World Cup won't change who I am"
Cristiano also reflected on the one major trophy missing from his remarkable résumé.
"Life has already given me so much. Winning a World Cup or not won't make me more Cristiano."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner explained that he prefers to enjoy every moment of his career while continuing to grow from both success and criticism.
A World Cup he will never forget
Ronaldo admitted that this edition of the World Cup has been the most emotional of his six appearances.
"Of all the World Cups I've played in, this is the one I'll remember the most because of everything we've been through emotionally."
He also mentioned the bracelet worn by Portugal's squad in memory of Diogo Jota, a tribute that has united the team throughout the tournament.
Portugal aims to keep Cristiano's World Cup dream alive
Portugal faces Spain with a place in the quarterfinals on the line and with Cristiano Ronaldo once again at the center of attention.
His message before kickoff was simple: he hopes this is not the final World Cup match of his extraordinary career and wants to keep Portugal's dream alive.
