This World Cup marks end of era for Ronaldo and other soccer greats

This World Cup marks end of era for Ronaldo and other soccer greats July 6, 20265:31 PM ET Juliana Kim Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal shows dejection after the team's 0-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. Lars Baron/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Lars Baron/Getty Images The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been filled with stunning upsets and emotional wins. But perhaps, most bittersweet were the final dances from some of the greatest soccer players seen in a generation. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Neymar of Brazil, Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico and Manuel Neuer of Germany are a few of the footballers who competed in their last World Cup — collapsing in tears, bowing to fans and kissing the post before they bid farewell. Sponsor Message Soccer Edition The U.S. faces Belgium in the World Cup on the heels of Trump-Infantino red card call Ronaldo's run ended on Monday after Portugal lost to Spain 1-0. The Portuguese superstar was 21 when he made his first World Cup appearance. This summer marked his sixth — a feat only shared with Argentina's Lionel Messi. At 41, Ronaldo returned as the second oldest player in this year's World Cup. Nonetheless, he scored three goals — proving that he was a force to be reckoned with. He now returns home without ever earning a World Cup title. But on Sunday, after confirming this will be his last tournament, Ronaldo said he was simply enjoying every moment on the turf. "God has been so generous towards me. He has given me everything. Much more than I ever expected to achieve," he told reporters on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brazil's top goalscorer Neymar, 34, completed his last dance on the very New Jersey field where he made his international debut back in 2010. On Sunday, his team lost to Norway 2-1 with Brazil's single goal scored by Neymar in a penalty kick. He did so despite suffering from a stubborn calf injury that forced him to sit out...