By Francis Onyach - Reporter
November 14, 2025 - Portugal’s recent defeat carries great emotional and professional consequences for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is nearing the end of his playing career and has stated his intention to make the 2026 World Cup his last major tournament.
The loss, in addition to Ronaldo’s own red card for violent conduct, has not only jeopardized Portugal’s automatic qualification but could also result in Ronaldo missing matches in the next World Cup due to suspension.
Ronaldo’s Quest and Heartbreak
At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains extremely competitive and has explicitly stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament stage. His desire to end his career with football’s most prestigious prize drives him to keep performing at the highest level, even as physical limitations and the inevitability of retirement edge closer.
The defeat to Ireland, which featured his dramatic sending-off, stresses the pressure and vulnerability felt by the Portuguese star. He has played in five previous World Cups, driven always by the dream of leading Portugal to global glory, a dream now hanging in the balance.
Implications for Portugal and Ronaldo
- Ronaldo’s red card means he is suspended for the critical upcoming qualifiers and potentially for the start of the 2026 World Cup itself, should Portugal advance.
- The defeat makes direct qualification uncertain, placing additional pressure on Ronaldo and the entire squad in subsequent matches.
- If Portugal fails to qualify directly, playoff scenarios may further test Ronaldo’s resilience and leadership, raising doubts about how much he can influence outcomes as he ages.
Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains positive about his form and contributions. He continues to score at both club and international level, expressing a strong sense of pride and motivation to keep playing as long as he feels fit and competitive.
The legendary forward has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals and admits that moving on from football will be emotionally draining. However, the events against Ireland remind us of the fragile nature of sporting ambitions and the fine margins that can shape a player’s legacy.
As the world watches, Ronaldo must now act with both disappointment and opportunity, hoping to channel this adversity into a final, memorable World Cup run in 2026, the dream stage for one of football’s all-time icons.
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