This Monday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m., Cristiano Ronaldo faces one of the most important matches of his career when Portugal faces Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the press conference prior to the match, the Portuguese striker admitted that a defeat could mean the end of his career in the World Cup, although he made it clear that the decision on his retirement corresponds solely to him.
“I hope that tomorrow is not my last game in a World Cup, I hope that way they can continue killing me,” he said ironically when responding to criticism about his continuity in the Portuguese team.
The 41-year-old attacker, scorer of three goals in the tournament, defended his performance and assured that the questions do not change his commitment to the team.
“I have always given my best and that is not going to change, whether I play or not. I can leave when I want, not when others want. The comments do not affect me; that is part of everything. The support of the fans matters, everything else is garbage,” he said.
A World Cup marked by emotion
Ronaldo also explained that the 2026 edition will occupy a special place in his career due to the experiences lived with the Portuguese team.
“We have shared a lot and cried together. Of all the World Cups, this is the one that I will remember the most because of everything we have been through from an extraordinary emotional aspect,” he expressed.
The captain made reference to the permanent tribute that the Portuguese delegation maintains towards his former teammate Diogo Jota, who recently died, a fact that has marked the team’s atmosphere during the tournament.
“I love playing against Spain”
On a sporting level, Ronaldo recognized the difficulty of the commitment against the Spanish team, although he optimistically recalled his history against the Iberian team.
“I love playing against Spain. I have played many games against them and I have very good memories. It is very balanced and tomorrow it will be the same. You have to play well, have courage and run,” he said.
This Monday, July 6, Portugal will seek a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in a duel that could also represent the last World Cup appearance of the top scorer in the history of the Portuguese team.