​Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of the World Cup stage as Portugal were eliminated in the last-16 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain. Fellow Manchester United players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were also on the field as the Portuguese team failed to advance once more. Ronaldo had scored three goals in the tournament, including his first knockout-stage goal against Croatia.
Following the loss, Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez departed from his role, and the Football Association of Portugal is now in the process of searching for a new head coach. After the match, Ronaldo indicated that, at 41 years old, this World Cup could be his last; he was cautious about his international future, hinting that a decision would come after reflection. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to return to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he hopes to push his career past the 1,000-goal mark, currently sitting on 976.
Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has published excerpts from an interview with Ronaldo in which he hinted that his international career might not be finished. Reflecting on the Spain game, he said, “it’s true that it was my last World Cup, yes, but for the rest, I’ll have time to think, to talk with my family; there’s no need to make a hasty decision, life goes on.” The article notes that Ronaldo “has said goodbye to the World Cup, but not to the national team.”
Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s former manager at Al-Nassr, is reported as the favourite to take the Portugal job, a factor that could influence the veteran forward to remain with the national team. When asked about the rumours, Ronaldo stated, “it’s not the time to talk about Jorge Jesus. It’s not my decision; the president will make it.” The spotlight on Ronaldo’s selection and his unquestioned starting role has drawn ongoing debate, given his age and the pressures of keeping him in the lineup.
The coverage continues to scrutinize the national team’s direction as they seek stability and leadership behind the scenes. As for Ronaldo, his future remains under discussion, with potential implications for the Portugal squad and its coaching setup in the wake of the World Cup campaign. The narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s international career persists, even as he pivots toward his club commitments and a relentless pursuit of milestones on the field.