Ronaldo’s World Cup career ends in tears as ‘pathetic’ Martinez departs

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey concluded in tears as Portugal’s last-16 exit in Dallas left the five-time Ballon d’Or winner without the one prize that has eluded him throughout his legendary career. His final appearance in a Portugal shirt ended in a 1-0 defeat to Spain, sealed by Mikel Merino’s injury-time strike, and it was clear from the moment the final whistle blew that this was more than just another tournament exit—it was the definitive end of an era.

Ronaldo’s legacy left incomplete

Ronaldo leaves the World Cup stage with a record six tournaments scored in, 146 international goals, and a resume that includes five Champions League titles and Euro 2016 glory. Yet the one accolade that has remained out of reach is the World Cup itself. His first attempt in 2006 took Portugal to the semi-finals, but every subsequent campaign—2010, 2014, 2018, 2022—ended in disappointment. This time, in what he had already declared would be his final World Cup, the chance slipped away in the most agonising fashion: a defeat to Spain in the last 16, decided by a goal in the 115th minute.

His emotional reaction spoke volumes. As the final minutes ticked down and the realisation set in that this was the end, Ronaldo was visibly distraught, his face etched with the weight of unfulfilled ambition. It was a far cry from the swaggering figure who once carried Portugal to European glory, and it underscored the raw emotion of a player whose career has been defined by relentless pursuit of greatness.

Martinez’s gamble and the cost of loyalty

The debate over whether Ronaldo should have started every game has followed Portugal throughout the tournament, and the defeat in Dallas will only intensify scrutiny over Roberto Martinez’s decisions. The Spanish manager, who announced his departure immediately after the final whistle, had faced mounting pressure to drop the 39-year-old forward, whose contributions in recent years have been increasingly limited to moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained impact.

Chris Sutton, summarising the frustration of many observers, was unequivocal in his assessment: “He’s waddling around the field like a grandad, that’s why Portugal are out. Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.” The criticism cuts to the heart of a managerial dilemma: whether to prioritise form over legacy, and whether the emotional pull of a legend outweighs the tactical necessity of fielding a team capable of winning football’s biggest prize.

Martinez, in his post-match remarks, framed Ronaldo’s contribution as that of a “football icon” who gave his all in pursuit of a dream. “We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup,” he said. “His dream was to win this World Cup, he did this with an amazing example. He is a prime example of football and the human being that is behind that athlete.” Yet the harsh reality is that Portugal’s campaign ended not with a whimper, but with a defeat that will be remembered for the wrong reasons.

The tactical blind spot

Portugal arrived in the United States with a squad brimming with talent—defenders and midfielders who have won trophies at the highest level, including four players who helped Paris Saint-Germain claim the past two Ligue 1 titles. Yet the shadow of Ronaldo loomed so large that the team’s structure often appeared skewed to accommodate him, even when his influence waned. The result was a side that struggled to impose itself on games, its creativity and dynamism stifled by the weight of expectation and the limitations of a forward line built around a player whose best days are behind him.

Whether Portugal could have fared better without the obligation to start Ronaldo remains an open question. What is clear, however, is that Martinez’s refusal—or inability—to make the tough call left his team vulnerable. The defeat to Spain exposed the fragility of a squad that, for all its individual quality, lacked the cohesion and cutting edge to progress. The final goal, scored by Merino in extra time, was a cruel reminder that football’s biggest prizes are not won on sentiment alone.

Ronaldo’s future now hangs in the balance. He has hinted at a period of reflection before deciding his next move, telling reporters, “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head.” For a player who has defined an era, the end of his World Cup story is a poignant chapter—one that closes with tears, controversy, and the unanswered question of what might have been.