'There will never be another Ronaldo:' Fans reflect on football icon’s final World Cup
- Last updated: July 9, 2026 | 23:14
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup appearance marking the end of an era, football fans are going back through the legacy of one of the game’s greatest players.
For more than two decades, Ronaldo has redefined the sport through his record-breaking achievements, determination and constant drive to succeed, inspiring millions and generations of players around the world.
We spoke to football fans to hear their thoughts on Ronaldo’s final World Cup, the impact that he had on football, and how they believe he will be remembered.
Among those reflecting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup appearance was Abdullah Al Ali, a former professional footballer and current coach.
Having dedicated so much of his life to football, first as a player and now as a coach, Al Ali described Ronaldo’s farewell to football’s biggest stage as the end of an unforgettable and amazing era.
“When people look back in the future, they will not find another player like Ronaldo,” Al Ali said. “Fans and players will feel sad because he did not only change football, he changed people’s perspective in so many different ways.”
Al Ali also praised Ronaldo’s performances throughout the World Cup, highlighting his two goals during Portugal’s 5-0 group stage win over Uzbekistan as a reminder of the quality and determination that he continued to show on the world stage. He stated, “Even now, Ronaldo continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players in football history.”
Al Ali stated that Ronaldo’s influence is not just limited to what he has achieved just on the pitch. Through his work as being a coach, he sees how young players still to this day look up to Ronaldo and use his career as a motivation to improve. “The young players I coach look up to Ronaldo. His dedication, discipline and achievements motivate them to work even harder and dream of reaching the highest level in football,” he said.
For football fan Essa Al Suwaidi, Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance was an emotional moment despite it being expected. “It was a very sad moment to see a football legend end his World Cup career, even though I kind of expected it to happen,” he stated. He showcased that Ronaldo’s impact on football was “historical.” Al Suwaidi said that the Portuguese star’s influence goes beyond his achievements on the pitch.
He focused on Ronaldo’s iconic celebrations, which have become very popular with football fans and professional players around the world, as an example of his global influence. Reflecting on his favourite memory, Al Suwaidi highlighted Ronaldo’s most memorable overhead kick against Juventus, describing it as one of the most defining and most important moments of the Portuguese star’s career.
Looking forward, he believes future generations will remember Ronaldo as “one of the legends of football and among the top players of all time.”
As Ronaldo’s World Cup journey comes to an end, many people believe his impact on football will forever continue long after his final appearance on the world’s biggest stage. Throughout his career, he inspired millions through his achievements, hard work, and determination, leaving a lasting mark in football history. While one chapter has come to an end, many still believe his legacy will continue through the players and fans all around the world that look up to Ronaldo.
From record-breaking performances and unforgettable goals to his leadership and dedication, Ronaldo has become a role model for aspiring footballers of all ages. Many fans believe his influence goes beyond just playing football, with his discipline and commitment it gives an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
Although his World Cup career has reached the end of its line, those who spoke about him agreed that Cristiano Ronaldo’s name will remain among the greatest in football history, and that his legacy will continue to thrive and inspire generations of players for many years to come.