Ronaldo's World Cup Ends in Tears as Portugal Boss Quits
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- Cristiano Ronaldo saw his record sixth World Cup end in Dallas with a 1-0 last-16 loss to Spain, Mikel Merino heading in the winner in injury time, leaving the 41-year-old in tears.
- Roberto Martinez announced he was leaving as Portugal manager immediately after the final whistle, telling reporters 'my contract ends today' and framing his departure as a response to unmet objectives.
- Chris Sutton, reporting for BBC Radio 5 Live, accused Martinez of 'pandering to a player,' questioning why Goncalo Ramos — the striker who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 last-16 once Ronaldo was dropped — never came off the bench.
- Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals and 18 shots across five matches but created only one chance for a teammate, with 366 players at this World Cup touching the ball more often than him.
- Ronaldo's legacy now lacks the one major trophy that defines greatness: unlike Messi, who lifted the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Ronaldo retires from the tournament having never reached a final.
- Wayne Rooney told the BBC the exit was 'a sad day for football,' while Portugal fans at the stadium told reporters 'we have to laugh because we saw him' rather than mourn Ronaldo's final appearance.
Why it matters: Ronaldo exits the World Cup without ever winning the trophy, and the Messi comparison now tilts heavily: Messi holds it, plus is joint top scorer at this tournament with seven goals. Martinez's departure leaves Portugal needing a manager willing to bench legacy for form — and the Ramos benching is the question every candidate will inherit, given his hat-trick the last time Ronaldo was dropped.
