The final whistle blew on Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career on Monday, as Portugal suffered a round of 16 defeat to Spain in Dallas. The match marked the legendary forward's last appearance in the global tournament, where he participated across six editions.

Ronaldo, 41, confirmed his World Cup farewell after the game, expressing sadness at exiting the tournament in this manner. "I gave it my all. I did my best, and I’m leaving with a clear conscience," he stated. He indicated that he would take time to reflect and be with his family, and would not make hasty decisions about his future with the national team.

Despite the emotional end, Ronaldo leaves a significant legacy in the World Cup. He became the first and only player to score in six different World Cups, achieving this feat with a brace against Uzbekistan in the group stage of the recent tournament. This accomplishment spans the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions.

The Portuguese captain is also his country's most-capped player, with 27 World Cup appearances and 11 goals. Notably, his penalty against Croatia in this year's tournament was his first knockout stage goal, making him the oldest scorer in World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days.

Ronaldo's World Cup journey concludes without the ultimate prize, the World Cup trophy. However, his individual records underscore his remarkable longevity and impact on the global stage. He ranks as the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla.

His World Cup appearances total 27, a figure surpassed by Lionel Messi's 30, with the Argentinian captain continuing his campaign. Messi recently extended his own World Cup goalscoring record, reaching 20 goals. Both Ronaldo and Messi, along with Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, share the distinction of multiple World Cup participations.

Ronaldo's final World Cup match saw him take a lingering look around Dallas Stadium, applauding the crowd as he fought back tears. He left the pitch clutching his captain's armband, a symbolic gesture at the end of an era for one of football's most iconic figures.

The focus now shifts to Ronaldo's future with the Portuguese national team, though he has deferred any immediate announcements. His departure from the World Cup stage marks the end of an unparalleled chapter in the tournament's history.