Portuguese defender Nelson Semedo reported that Cristiano Ronaldo informed his teammates in the locker room that the 2026 World Cup would mark his final appearance wearing the national team jersey. After Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the Round of 16, Ronaldo addressed the squad, announcing that he would not participate in any subsequent World Cup tournaments. “Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the team at the end, and all we can do is thank him.
He confirmed that this was his last World Cup,” Semedo stated. He added that Ronaldo remains a significant figure for Portugal, noting, “He is a pillar for the country, for Portugal, and after several years, I will have the fortune of telling my nephews that I played with them in the national team.”
The defender acknowledged the team’s disappointment following the elimination, accepting that the objective had been to achieve deeper progression in the tournament. “Of course, we are disappointed,” Semedo commented.
The announcement marks a significant chapter closing for one of football’s most recognizable figures as he steps away from the international stage following the recent World Cup campaign.
Topics: #world #cup #his
