Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will take time before deciding the next step in his career after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that the tournament was his last appearance at the World Cup.

The 41-year-old captain said he would not make any hasty decisions, adding that he intends to spend time with his family before determining his future. Ronaldo described football as a game of wins and losses and said he leaves the World Cup with a clear conscience.

Although he never won the World Cup, Ronaldo said Portugal's triumph at the 2016 UEFA European Championship remains the greatest achievement of his international career. The all-time leading scorer in men's international football said he is proud of his journey and is ready to move on to the next chapter of his life.