"CR7" Ronaldo Bids Farewell to World Cup with No Regrets, Only Missing the Championship Trophy

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Arlington, 6th, Comprehensive Foreign News) Portugal lost to Spain 0-1 today, failing to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, and the dream of superstar "CR7" Ronaldo (Cristiano Ronaldo) came to an end. He walked off the field sadly, holding back his disappointment, and said, "This is football, this is a player's life."

According to Agence France-Presse, the Portuguese captain, who has participated in the World Cup six times, said after the match that he would now leave to think about his next steps.

Ronaldo has played for many European giants and won all sorts of trophies, and even led his national team to victory in European competitions. However, among his countless honors, a World Cup championship has always been missing.

"This is football, this is a player's life," he said with difficulty after the match, holding back his disappointment.

In today's disappointing Round of 16 match in Texas, Ronaldo wandered tiredly in the center of the forward line for the entire game, achieving almost nothing.

Ronaldo stated that he would leave the World Cup stage "with a clear conscience." "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, you have to keep moving forward."

"To be honest, the biggest trophy I won with the national team was in 2016 (European Championship), and for me, it is as important as the World Cup."

Ronaldo's highest point in his World Cup career will be frozen at 2006, when Portugal reached the final four.

"CR7's" final dance in the World Cup has seen him score 3 goals so far in the group stage, with 2 of them coming in the 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan, and another being a penalty kick against Croatia in the Round of 32.

He had no assists in this tournament and was even frustrated at times against Spain. When his teammates' passes were off, he could only helplessly spread his hands.

Ronaldo, who is now 41 years old, was born into a poor family on the island of Madeira, where his father was an alcoholic. His relentless pursuit of the art of football and his insatiable desire for records are what still drive him to play on the field today.

Off the field, Ronaldo is equally eye-catching. He is the first footballer in history to have a net worth of over $1 billion, has 671 million followers on Instagram, and his signature goal celebration is imitated by countless fans worldwide.

However, for the star who emerged from Sporting Lisbon and rose to fame at Manchester United, the World Cup did not offer him a perfect Hollywood ending.

Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United, showcasing his powerful attacking prowess at Real Madrid, winning the Champions League four times. He then moved to Juventus, had a brief return to Manchester United, and is now the spiritual leader of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Among Ronaldo's many accolades are five Ballon d'Or awards. However, in recent years, his dazzling footwork and speed have disappeared, and his role has transformed from a winger to a traditional striker. Both Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez and Ronaldo himself have faced criticism that "CR7's" international performance has long passed its peak.

Martinez made two double substitutions in the final moments of Portugal's pursuit of a comeback today, but Ronaldo was never substituted.

Ronaldo had stated before the match that he would not be diminished or enhanced by winning the World Cup; Cristiano Ronaldo is Cristiano Ronaldo. (Compiled by: Qu Xiangping) 1150707

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