'He Didn't Say He Retired From National Team': Ibrahimovic Reflects On Ronaldo's Last Dance

Published 8 July 2026 · sports

'He Didn't Say He Retired From Team': Ibrahimovic Reflects On Ronaldo's Last Dance Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 13:10 IST Zlatan Ibrahimovic on

'He Didn't Say He Retired From Team': Ibrahimovic Reflects On Ronaldo's Last Dance Published By, Last Updated: July 08, 2026, 13:10 IST Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup absence: "The World Cup will miss him, as he will also miss the World Cup. Rapid Read Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal exited the World Cup in the Round of 16 (Picture credit: AP) Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that the FIFA World Cup will miss Cristiano Ronaldo and vice versa, adding that it is very difficult to win the tournament and it would be heartbreaking for the latter not to have won, having gone into every tournament with the desire to win.

The 41-year-old Portugal skipper and one of the best footballers of all time says that he will now go away and think about what comes next. Ronaldo has won it all in a trophy-laden career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs and tasted European glory with his country but the FIFA World Cup dream remained elusive. “I send him all my respect for what he did. He did massive things. I think the World Cup will miss him, as he will also miss the World Cup. I think he tried to win the World Cup," Ibrahimovic said while speaking on FOX Sports. Zlatan gives his thoughts on Ronaldo’s career after playing in what could be his final FIFA World Cup@Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/pR2jhSHfiN— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026 “It is the most difficult thing, probably, to win.

And his mentality is to win in everything he does. So, for sure, the world is going to miss him. But he did not say he retired from the national team," Ibrahimovic said. “So let us see what happens there. And I think the world should enjoy him while he is playing, whatever shirt he uses. And this is the last World Cup. But for sure, people are going to miss him," Ibrahimovic added. Despite a trophy cabinet overflowing with honours, Ronaldo will retire without a FIFA World Cup winners’ medal. The Portuguese great endured a forgettable last-16 outing in Texas as well, where he struggled to make an impact in a disappointing performance.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 08, 2026, 13:05 IST News sports football 'He Didn't Say He Retired From Team': Ibrahimovic Reflects On Ronaldo's Last Dance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...