Cristiano Ronaldo's issues were laid bare as Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain09:01, 07 Jul 2026Sympathy for a sobbing Cristiano Ronaldo was in short supply in Spain after Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup. Mikel Merino's added-time winner settled a drab last-16 clash between the Iberian rivals.‌The 41-year-old left the pitch in tears as his final World Cup ended with a whimper. While Ronaldo is respected in Spain for his exploits with Real Madrid, the country's media agreed that he had become a hindrance rather than a help to his national team.‌ABC was particularly scathing. After calling him "largely unnoticed" and a "shadow of his former self," the title listed his shortcomings: "Lacking speed, dribbling and bite. At times, he didn't even seem to know what to do with the ball.‌"His lacklustre performance wasn't enough to send him to the bench, which partly explains the meagre attacking output of a Portugal side that relied on him as its main attacking threat."Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!La Razon said his "participation in the game was limited" and highlighted his lack of movement: "Over the years, his range of action on the field has considerably reduced, and he no longer possesses the explosiveness that characterised much of his career.‌"He was the player who covered the fewest kilometres and never came close to truly troubling Unai Simon. He left without the leading role he had envisioned for such a momentous night, although with the feeling of having given everything he had."AS simply asked: "What about Cristiano? No sign of him." Marca gave him just one star in their player ratings and said: "CR7, before becoming CR1000, has reduced his area of operation."‌As you would expect, the Portuguese media was kinder to the fading great. Summing up the end of an era, A Bola said: "Ronaldo's farewell to the world's biggest competition ends up being this one, marked by sadness."While he has played his last World Cup match - he will be 45 when Portugal co-hosts the 2030 tournament - looks set to play on. Reflecting on his country's exit, he said: "I'm sad to leave the World Cup like this.‌"But as I said in the [pre-match] press conference, I gave everything. I gave my best, and I leave 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 don't make decisions in the heat of the moment, nor do I want to shift the focus from what was done at the World Cup because of a personal decision."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consent