Cristiano Ronaldo is saying goodbye to the World Cup for good for the rest of his career, with the Portuguese superstar having already revealed that this year’s tournament will be his last.

Portugal failed to advance to the quarterfinals, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

After the final whistle, CR7 broke down in tears, with Zinedine Zidane standing by his side, speaking highly of the former Real Madrid player.

Here is what Zinedine Zidane said in full: “I felt
immense pain watching him cry after the final whistle. It was clear that it was no longer about him personally, but about his country. What man loves his homeland more than himself, to the point of playing until he’s 41 to win that title for it? Even if he didn’t win it.

And yet, some will find reasons to criticize him. I just hope Cristiano realizes that winning the World Cup is a great achievement, but it doesn’t define a soccer player’s greatness.

What he has accomplished in this sport goes far beyond a single title. His records, his consistent level of play, his mindset, and the way he has competed for over two decades… that is something soccer may never see again.

I was fortunate enough to win the World Cup, but I can honestly say that I never reached the level of consistency and longevity that Cristiano has demonstrated throughout his career. Few players will ever reach that level.

Years from now, people won’t remember Cristiano just for the titles he won or didn’t win, but because he redefined the standards of greatness.

For me, he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest soccer players in history, and nothing that happened today will change that in the slightest.”

Zinedine Zidane comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears after the final whistle:

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“It pained me deeply to see him crying after the final whistle. It was clear that it was no longer about him personally, but about his country. What man loves his country more than himself to the point of playing until the age of 41 to win this title for it? Even if he didn’t… pic.twitter.com/Wwybgv1z38

— Calcio Madness (@Azuri99) July 6, 2026

*photo source: KYPE