Cristiano Ronaldo's international football career has concluded following Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on July 6. The forward, who had stated this would be his final World Cup appearance, is now retired from international play.
Despite the loss, Ronaldo's sister, Portuguese pop singer Katia Aveiro, expressed her appreciation for her brother's contributions to the national team. She posted a message on her Instagram story featuring a photo of Ronaldo walking off the pitch, with the caption "Obrigada Cristiano Ronaldo ❤️🇵🇹🇵🇹," which translates to "Thank you Cristiano Ronaldo."
Ronaldo's international retirement at age 41 was not entirely unexpected. While some had speculated he might continue playing until the 2030 World Cup, a tournament Portugal is co-hosting, the demands of international play at his age made this improbable. He is also expected to retire from club soccer in the near future.
During his tenure with Portugal, Ronaldo was instrumental in the team's success, including their victory in UEFA Euro 2016. He leaves behind a legacy of numerous iconic moments and has been credited with elevating Portugal into a global football powerhouse. His sister's message suggests a desire for fans to appreciate his extensive career achievements for his home country.