The final whistle has blown on soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup — after the Portuguese captain and his team missed out on a spot in the 2026 quarterfinals following a devastating 0-1 loss to Spain in Texas.
Following an incredibly tense and largely goal-less matchup between the two teams, Spain’s Mikel Merino managed to slide one past the Portuguese goalie in the 91st minute, cementing his team’s place in the quarterfinal game.
Ronaldo, 41, was incredibly emotional as he walked off the pitch — hours after confirming at a press conference that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be the last he plays in.
The soccer icon — whose country is set to co-host the World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Morocco — made the announcement during a July 5 press conference, just one day before Portugal’s highly anticipated Round of 16 showdown against Spain in Dallas.
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible. This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game,” the star athlete said, according to ESPN.
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The final whistle has blown on soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup. Picture: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
However, Ronaldo noted that the announcement does not mean he is retiring from international competition immediately — simply that he expects to do so before the next FIFA World Cup is held four years from now.
“The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I’ll be honest, whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%. Because I’ve given everything in football,” he added.
The soccer icon noted that he has a “passion” for football, teasing that he hasn’t done “too badly” on the field.
“I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it. … You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?” Ronaldo said.
During the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups when he achieved two goals against Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo marked another career highlight when he scored a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32, which recorded his first goal in a knockout-round match of a World Cup.
Speaking about this year’s tournament, the soccer legend noted, “It’s been fantastic. It goes beyond the pitch. … This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion. It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
“I’m not lacking anything in life. I’m not going to be more, or less, Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it. … Age gives you maturity and experience,” he said.
Ronaldo has showcased his skills in six World Cup tournaments: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.
He said that he is grateful for the ups and downs he has experienced throughout that 20-year run, noting that he is even happy to have received public criticism because it has helped him to become a better player.
After more than two decades at the pinnacle of world soccer, the Portuguese captain has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last World Cup he plays in. Picture: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
“I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive, turning 40 — and I hope to live another 40 years — with the criticism. That’s how you grow the most as a person, and I thank you, journalists, for that,” Ronaldo said.
Just last year, Ronaldo told CNN that he would retire altogether within “one [or] two years.”
However, his contract with his current team, Al-Nassr FC, which plays in the Saudi Pro League, extends through June 30, 2027 — giving him at least another year of professional soccer, if that contract is not broken early.
Off the field, Ronaldo has plenty to look forward to, including planning his wedding to fiancee Georgina Rodriguez, whom he proposed to in 2025 after eight years of dating.
Ronaldo, who was born and raised in Portugal, began his professional playing career at age 17, when he made his debut for local team Sporting CP. He then moved to the U.K., where he joined Premier League team Manchester United.
During his 23-year career, Ronaldo has become one of the highest-paid soccer players in history, amassing a net worth of $2 billion ($US1.4 billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He was, as a result, the first soccer star to become a verified billionaire.
In addition to his very lucrative contracts with some of the world’s most elite soccer teams, the player has made an impressive amount of money through endorsement deals representing high-profile brands, including Armani, Nike, and TAG Heuer.
He has also amassed an incredibly impressive property portfolio throughout his career, snapping up homes in his native Portugal, as well as several dwellings farther afield.
Now, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner calls time on his final FIFA World Cup, attention is once again turning to the legacy he will leave behind — not only through his record-breaking career, but also through an enviable collection of multimillion-dollar homes stretching from Portugal to Saudi Arabia.
Lisbon
Ronaldo first picked up a property in Portugal’s capital in 2015 for $US2 million. Picture: Luis Boza/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ronaldo first picked up a property in Portugal’s capital in 2015 for $2.8 million ($US2 million).
The dwelling is located on Avenida da Liberdade, a boulevard that is inspired by Paris’ Champs-Elysees and is adorned with boutiques, hotels, and cafes.
In 2018, he purchased a penthouse for $10 million ($US7 million), making history with the then-most expensive apartment ever sold in the city.
The property boasts three bedrooms, wood floors, a terrace, and glass walls that allow natural light to flood inside.
The home also features a spa, gym, and resort-style pool.
Madrid
From 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and sealed his legacy when he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. Picture: Google Earth
From 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and sealed his legacy when he became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
In 2010, the soccer star snapped up a luxe mansion in the La Finca neighbourhood, a gated community known for its celebrity residents and 24/7 security.
The propertycomes complete with a spa, cyrochamber, indoor pool, and even a soccer field.
In 2023, he placed the property on the market for rent for about $15,000 ($US11,000) a month.
Madeira
Ronaldo also made sure to pick up a property where he grew up — in Madeira, Portugal. Picture: Octavio Passos/Getty Images for European Athletics
Ronaldo also made sure to pick up a property where he grew up — in Madeira, Portugal.
He splashed out $11.4 million ($US8 million) for the seven-story abode, which was transformed from a former nightclub in 2015.
The dwelling boasts a rooftop pool, two gyms, and an indoor pool.
Although Ronaldo isn’t always able to make it there, his mother and brother reportedly reside there full time.
Turin
By 2018, the soccer star picked up another pad in one of Turin’s most lavish communities: Strada San Vito Revigliasco. Picture: Google Earth
By 2018, the soccer star picked up another pad in one of Turin’s most lavish communities: Strada San Vito Revigliasco.
The property is perched above the city and features a twin villa that is the epitome of privacy thanks to its gated driveway.
Inside, the home boasts chic marble, a spa, a gym and several resort-style pools.
Marbella
After picking up a property in Turin, Ronaldo took a vacation to Marbella, Spain, and decided that he needed a getaway in the area. Picture: Google Earth
After picking up a property in Turin, Ronaldo took a vacation to Marbella, Spain, and decided that he needed a getaway in the area.
The $2.2 million ($US1.6 million) dwelling is situated in the development known as “Superstars’ Cul-de-Sac.”
The area is famous for its celebrity residents, including Conor McGregor, and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and several golfing areas.
His holiday home features four bedrooms, high ceilings, glass walls, a pool, a gym, a wine cellar, and a lavish home theatre.
Cascais
Elsewhere in Portugal, Ronaldo purchased a 2.47-acre plot in the lavish Quinta da Marinh for $US30 million. Picture: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Elsewhere in Portugal, Ronaldo purchased a 2.47-acre plot built in the lavish Quinta da Marinh for $45 million ($US30 million).
The sprawling property was built between 2022 and 2023.
It comes complete with a home theatre, spa, tennis court, two pools, and 30-car garage.
Riyadh
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In 2022, the pro athlete joined Al-Nassr in Riyadh, where he and his family resided in the Kingdom Centre hotel for a month. Picture: Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images
In 2022, the pro athlete moved to Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr — initially relocating to the Kingdom Centre Hotel, where he and his family lived for an entire month before settling down at a full-time residence.
That property is located in Al-Muhammadiyah, one of Riyadh’s most exclusive enclaves.
His home reportedly boasts modern lighting, a three-car garage, a lavish pool, and a luxe walk-in closet.
Dubai
In 2024, Ronaldo picked up a home in Dubai’s Jumeirah Bay Island, also known as “Billionaires Island.” Picture: Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
In 2024, Ronaldo picked up a home in Dubai’s Jumeirah Bay Island, also known as “Billionaires Island.”
The waterfront mansion is situated in a man-made enclave that can be accessed only by a private bridge.
Parts of this story first appeared in Realtor and was republished with permission.
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