Cristiano Ronaldo said he leaves the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clear conscience after Portugal’s exit in the round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Portuguese captain described the match as a closely fought contest between two quality teams, with Spain scoring the decisive goal late in the game.
“It was a very balanced match. In my opinion, it could have gone either way. Spain had that little bit of luck, scoring right at the end, but that is football,” Ronaldo said after the defeat.
The loss brought an emotional end to Ronaldo’s World Cup career, with the forward seen in tears at full-time after Portugal’s elimination.
Speaking about the moment and the disappointment of defeat, Ronaldo said he accepted the outcome while remaining proud of his contribution.
“It’s normal to feel sad about leaving the World Cup like this. But as I said yesterday in the press conference, I gave everything, I gave my best, and I leave with a clear conscience,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged the highs and lows that come with football and said he would take time before making decisions about his future.
“This is football. This is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to keep going. Yes, it was my last World Cup, but I will have time to think about everything, to be with my family, not to make decisions with a hot head, and to continue living my life,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo also reflected on his legacy with Portugal, highlighting the trophies achieved during his international career.
“I have won three trophies with Portugal. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had never won any titles, so I am happy. The biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016, and for me, honestly, it has the same importance as a World Cup,” he added.
Despite the disappointment of falling short at the tournament, Ronaldo remained focused on moving forward.
“I gave my best, and that’s it. Tomorrow will be a new day, and life goes on,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal defender Nelson Semedo also rejected suggestions that the team’s World Cup campaign should be considered a failure after their elimination.
“I think we had a good campaign. We ended up losing against a great team, a team that is one of the favourites. We tried everything, we gave our best, and we couldn’t win,” Semedo said.
Reflecting on the match, Semedo said both teams created chances in a competitive encounter.
“I think it was a tough game for both sides. We created chances, they created chances as well. Two great teams were playing against each other.”
“In the end, they scored a goal and they won the game, but I think it was a very balanced match. I just want to congratulate Spain.”
