Cristiano Ronaldo addressed reports of his impending retirement from international football as Portugal’s players celebrated a dramatic 2-1 victory against Croatia in their World Cup Round of 32 clash in Toronto.
There were emotional scenes for both sides after the final whistle with Croatian legend Luka Modric and his teammates left shattered as VAR denied them a 103rd minute equaliser, ruling out Josko Gvardiol’s goal for offside.
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On the flip side for Portugal, the victory, which sets up a Round of 16 date with neighbours Spain, came almost a year to the day since the death of Diogo Jota.
The late Liverpool and Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025 at age 28.
Earlier in the tournament, a black and white picture of Jota was shown on the giant screen at the stadium in Houston before Portugal’s first game against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As they celebrated victory, Ronaldo and his teammates posed with Jota’s number 21 jersey.
“The coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” Ronaldo said. “We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable.”
Ronaldo also pulled on a number 21 jersey at the end of the game to conduct interviews.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said the victory had special meaning.
“For Portuguese fans this is a very happy day and also because of the meaning of the game, we’ve moved to the next phase, to the round of 16. In a year where we honoured Diogo Jota.”
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The day was also won full of personal milestone for Ronaldo.
For the first time in a World Cup knockout match, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star found the back of the net.
The 41-year-old converted a penalty in the second half to equalise, only minutes after he had a goal ruled out for offside.
It was one of three goals struck off by VAR in a wild second half and hanging over a World Cup classic was speculation about Ronaldo’s future.
His sister Katia Aveiro told reporters that this tournament will be Ronaldo’s ‘last dance’ ahead of Portugal’s clash with Croatia.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon,” she told Sport TV.
“The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his last dance.
“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.
“So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”
Asked about the speculation after the game, Ronaldo replied: “I don’t make reckless decisions”.
“I will decide after the tournament, not now,” he added.