Rodri salutes Ronaldo’s incredible impact despite Portugal’s World Cup exit

Responding to media questions in the mixed zone, just after Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match in Dallas last night, Rodri says playing in six World Cups and scoring in all of them is no child’s play. At the age of 41, Ronaldo has played in his last World Cup, but his impact in the game will be remembered forever.

"I don't know, talking about Cristiano Ronaldo is talking about one of the best players in the history of football. His mentality the way he understands the game. He's always trying to score always trying to be the best. I think at 41-years old it's remarkable. I think his country has to be proud of him to play six World Cups is incredible and an example for all the generations that come before him," said Rodri

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"I don't know; talking about Cristiano Ronaldo is discussing one of the best players in the history of football. His mentality, the way he understands the game – he's always trying to score, always trying to be the best. I think at 41 years old, it's remarkable. I believe his country has to be proud of him. To play in six World Cups is incredible and an example for all the generations that come after him," said Rodri

Well-traveled and experienced Portuguese national team right-back Nélson Semedo has also defended his team’s exit in this World Cup, saying they lost to a good team, after conceding a late Mikel Merino goal.

Match-ups between Spain and Portugal are never easy, given the rivalry between the two nations, but the 2010 World Champions were more dominant in this game, with six shots on target to two and three big chances to one. Semedo says this was a balanced game decided by a special goal at the end.