Ronaldo: I won't make any rash decisions on Portugal future
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- Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 1-0 last-16 defeat to Spain — decided by Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner in Dallas — was his last World Cup game, but said he won't make "rash decisions" on his broader Portugal future and will take time to reflect with his family.
- Ronaldo cited 23 years in the national team and three titles, called the 2016 Euros — Portugal's first major trophy — "the same dimension as a World Cup," and will be 43 by the next major tournament, the 2028 European Championships in the UK & Ireland.
- Roberto Martinez confirmed he is stepping down as Portugal manager after the exit, stating his contract ends with the tournament and "without winning it, there's no point in continuing" — a move Sky Sports News had reported since June 16.
- Martinez paid tribute to Ronaldo as an "exemplary captain" praised for day-to-day commitment and leadership, but declined to discuss his captain's future, calling him "a soccer icon" with few peers.
- Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live accused Ronaldo of "waddling around the field like a grandad" and called Martinez's management of Portugal "scandalous," adding that Martinez had previously "made a mess of Belgium" with their golden generation.
Why it matters: Portugal exits the World Cup losing both their manager — Roberto Martinez, confirmed stepping down — and likely their captain, with Ronaldo at 41 saying he'll only decide his future after reflection. Spain advance on Merino's stoppage-time winner, leaving Portugal's rebuild — post-Ronaldo identity and new coaching staff — to play out before the 2028 Euros, when their captain would be 43.
