2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo Won’t Give Up and Chooses the Next Head Coach
Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to the World Cup, but not to Portugal. The 41-year-old forward, who was eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain in his sixth World Cup, confirmed that this was his final World Cup appearance, while proudly reflecting on his achievements with the national team.
After the loss, CR7 commented on the elimination: “Spain had a bit of luck and scored late in the game—that’s just how soccer is. It’s sad to be eliminated from the World Cup this way, but as I said yesterday, I gave it my all, I did my best, and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. That’s soccer—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose; you have to look ahead. It’s true that this was my last World Cup, yes, but as for the rest, I’ll have time to think, to talk with my family; there’s no need to make a decision in the heat of the moment—life goes on. Tomorrow I’ll wake up just as I woke up today: with a clear conscience. I gave my best; I won three titles with Portugal, and before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won a single trophy—I’m happy. The most important title I’ve won with the national team was in 2016 (the European Championship, ed.), a title that, for me, honestly carries the same weight as a World Cup. That’s why I’ll say it again: I’m leaving with a clear conscience; I gave it my all, and that’s that. Tomorrow is another day, and life goes on.”
The striker’s comments have fueled debate in Portugal, where some media outlets have highlighted his performance in the World Cup’s knockout stages. The sports daily *A Bola* pointed out that Ronaldo has never scored or provided an assist in the nine knockout-round matches he’s played in the tournament, with the exception of the penalty kick he converted against Croatia in the round of 16 of this year’s tournament.
Despite his World Cup exit, Ronaldo has no intention of leaving the national team. “For me, the national team is something special. I’ve been playing for it for 23 years, and they’ve been full of emotion and joy; wearing this jersey is always an incredible experience.” The future of Portugal’s head coaching position, however, remains to be determined following the end of Roberto Martínez’s tenure. Among the names linked to the position is Jorge Jesus, the coach who previously managed Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. On the subject, the Portuguese captain preferred not to comment: “This isn’t the time to talk about Jorge Jesus. It’s not up to me to decide; the president will make that call.”
