'Won three titles for Portugal, no hasty decision about retirement'; CR7 responds after World Cup exit

DALLAS: Spain reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, defeating Portugal in a tight match thanks to a goal scored by Michael Merino in the 90th minute. The defeat means the end of the road for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who fell short yet again in the quest for the World Cup.

Ronaldo had earlier told the media that this tournament would be his swansong. However, the response from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner after the defeat to Spain was unlike his earlier stance. Ronaldo said he would wake up early like he did yesterday and continue with work like any other day. The star footballer also said that he would talk with family and friends before deciding on retirement.

"It's sad to exit the World Cup with such a defeat. I tried my best. This might have been my last World Cup. But now I need to spend time with my family. I won't make a hasty decision about retirement. I have won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had never lifted a title. The biggest title the team has won is the 2016 European Championship, which is like a World Cup for me," Ronaldo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

🗣️ "I've won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn't won anything.

The biggest title I won with the National Team was Euro 2016. FOR ME, IT HAS THE SAME DIMENSION AS A WORLD CUP." 😳🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/kqDd3Oo5Qf

— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) July 6, 2026