DALLAS — The recent FIFA World Cup showcased a remarkable set of 11 goals, with only eight players in the tournament’s storied history outpacing this achievement. Legends such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Ronaldo, Gerd Müller, Harry Kane, and Pelé remain in the elite echelon of football greatness.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from World Cup competition, sharing ninth place in the all-time goalscoring list, should not be viewed as a blemish on his career. He is widely recognized as one of the top ten players in men’s football history. Furthermore, he holds the honor of being the first player to score in six different World Cups, a testament to his longevity and talent.
While he boasts an impressive resume, including over 800 club goals, nearly 150 international goals, five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, seven league championships, and two European titles, the World Cup remains a glaring omission in his achievements—a missed opportunity that could have ranked him even higher among football’s all-time greats.
Following a strong showing at the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal reached the semifinals, Ronaldo’s relationship with the tournament became increasingly tumultuous. Despite notable victories in other competitions, Portugal’s only final was in the Round of 32 against Croatia, where Ronaldo scored while on the bench. His final match ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Spain, characterized by a lackluster performance.
Portugal’s struggles across multiple tournaments can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate support for Ronaldo and issues with finishing. Although he peaked with exquisite performances in 2018, recent tournaments in 2022 and 2026 highlighted a decline, a reality faced by athletes approaching their 40s.
2006 World Cup: Germany
Portugal results:
– Victory over Angola (1-0)
– Victory over Iran (2-0)
– Victory over Mexico (2-1)
– R16: Victory over Netherlands (1-0)
– QF: Victory over England (0-0, PK 3-2)
– SF: Lost to France (1-0)
– 3rd Place Match: Lost to Germany (3-1)
The 21-year-old Ronaldo earned a starting spot in all six games despite a thigh injury from a rough tackle. He scored a penalty against Iran and led the team in multiple metrics, including shots, progressive carries, and duels. Despite his contributions, he struggled with finishing during the tournament.
2010 World Cup: South Africa
Portugal results:
– Draw with Ivory Coast (0-0)
– Victory over North Korea (7-0)
– Draw with Brazil (0-0)
– R16: Lost to Spain (1-0)
2010 was a peculiar year for Ronaldo. Despite an aging squad and a defense-first strategy under coach Carlos Queiroz, he notably scored in the rout against North Korea. However, his remaining performances left much to be desired, illustrating the disconnect between his potential and team dynamics.
2014 World Cup: Brazil
Portugal results:
– Lost to Germany (4-0)
– Draw with USA (2-2)
– Victory over Ghana (2-1)
2018 World Cup: Russia
Portugal results:
– Draw with Spain (3-3)
– Victory over Morocco (1-0)
– Draw with Iran (1-1)
– R16: Lost to Uruguay (2-1)
In what turned out to be his most memorable World Cup, Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Spain showcased his remarkable talent, although Portugal ultimately faltered in the knockout stage. His performances following the tournament did lead to success in the UEFA Nations League.
2022 World Cup: Qatar
Portugal results:
– Victory over Ghana (3-2)
– Victory over Uruguay (2-0)
– Lost to South Korea (2-1)
– R16: Victory over Switzerland (6-1)
– Quarterfinals: Lost to Morocco (2-1)
Ronaldo’s late-career challenges became apparent, culminating in a disappointing World Cup. Despite scoring against Ghana, his overall contributions diminished. Portugal managed an impressive win against Switzerland, but an early exit against Morocco left Ronaldo in tears, signaling a stark decline in his influence.
2026 World Cup: USA, Canada, Mexico
Portugal results:
– Draw with Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1)
– Victory over Uzbekistan (5-0)
– Draw with Colombia (0-0)
– Victory over Croatia (2-1)
– R16: Lost to Spain (1-0)
Under coach Roberto Martínez, Ronaldo initially found a resurgence, contributing significantly to the team. Yet, his role in the tournament sparked debate. As Portugal struggled to score in key matches, it became clear that he was no longer the centerpiece of the team’s strategy. Martínez’s reliance on him in critical games posed challenges and limitations, leading to an uninspiring end to Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The narrative of his final World Cup is emblematic of a broader issue, reflecting the difficulties that come with aging athletes, particularly those who once dominated the sport. Ronaldo’s legacy will endure, yet the World Cup remains a bittersweet chapter in an otherwise illustrious career.
