Watch: Yamal comforts a tearful Ronaldo after Spain knock Portugal out of the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo’s bid to win the World Cup ended in heartbreak on Monday when Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the round of 16, but it was an emotional exchange after the final whistle that attracted widespread attention.
Followed by Ronaldo in tears Portugal’s 1-0 defeat in DallasSpanish teenager Lamine Yamal stepped forward to hug the veteran in a touching show of respect. The moment came after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner sent Spain into the quarter-finals and ended Portugal’s campaign.
As Spain’s players celebrated their dramatic victory, Yamal briefly left the jubilant scenes to console Ronaldo, who was left devastated after later confirming his final appearance at the World Cup. Pictures of the Barcelona teenager hugging the 41-year-old Al Nassr star quickly went viral on social media.
The match was billed as a clash of two generations. Yamal, one of football’s brightest young talents, shared the pitch with Ronaldo, the all-time top scorer, in the Portugal captain’s final World Cup game.
Tonight was more than just a game. It marked the end of a legendary chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo. For Lamine Yamal, it was the next step towards what could be a legendary future. One era ends while another begins.
Goodbye Goat.
And good luck Lemin pic.twitter.com/kpLcmHcrtG— Raja Zeeshan (@Rajaxeshan363) July 6, 2026
Ronaldo started and played the full 90 minutes but struggled to influence the match as Spain kept Portugal at bay. His best effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon before Merino struck in stoppage time to level the match.
Defeat ended Ronaldo’s hopes of adding a World Cup to his trophy cabinet, which already includes European Championship 2016 and UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
“NO EXPLANATION OF THE FUTURE”
Ronaldo admitted after the game that the defeat was hard to take, but said he would not rush into a decision on his international future.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I’ll have time to think and be with my family. I won’t make any hasty decisions.”
The 41-year-old said he did not wish to discuss his future overshadow the Portuguese campaign.
“I don’t make rash decisions,” he said. Ronaldo also reflected on his legacy with the national team, pointing to Portugal’s major trophies during his international career.
“I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal didn’t win a single title,” he said. “The biggest title the national team has ever won was the European Championship in 2016, which to be honest is as important to me as the World Cup.”
The Portugal captain also thanked outgoing coach Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended with defeat in the round of 16.
“I enjoyed working with him. A great manager, a great human being and what he has done for Portugal deserves praise. I want to thank him and wish him the best of luck,” Ronaldo said.
“It’s always sad to go out of a big tournament. It’s the World Cup. The team really came into their own. From my point of view, we played well. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and continue.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
Jul 7, 2026 07:08 IST