- Ibrahimovic Pays Tribute to Ronaldo After World Cup Exit: ‘Time Catches Up With Everyone’
Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has paid an emotional tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the football icon deserves admiration for his remarkable career while acknowledging that “time catches up with everyone.”
Portugal’s World Cup journey came to an end after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the European champions into the quarter-finals.
The defeat marked what Ronaldo had already confirmed would be his final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a World Cup career that spanned six tournaments.
Speaking as a pundit on Fox Sports after the match, Ibrahimovic praised Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of success and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
“I have great respect for him. His achievements are significant,” Ibrahimovic said.
“The World Cup will miss him, and he will also miss the World Cup. You could see that he gave everything to try to win it.”
The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker noted that Ronaldo’s failure to win the World Cup does little to diminish one of football’s greatest careers.
“This legend has already won countless honours, and it is not easy to reach the level he has reached. The World Cup is probably the most difficult trophy to win. No matter what competition he plays in, he only wants to win.”
Although Ronaldo’s World Cup journey has ended, Ibrahimovic pointed out that the 41-year-old has not announced his retirement from international football, leaving open the possibility of future appearances for Portugal.
“He has not announced his retirement from the national team, so we will wait and see what happens,” Ibrahimovic added.
“As long as he is still playing, regardless of which team’s jersey he wears, the whole world should appreciate what he does.”
The Swedish football legend also reflected on how several members of football’s golden generation are approaching the end of their international careers.
He referenced Brazil star Neymar, whose World Cup campaign also ended in disappointment, and Croatia captain Luka Modric, who has been linked with international retirement after another memorable career.
“This is probably Ronaldo’s last World Cup. Neymar’s last World Cup also ended badly, and he may choose to retire from the national team like Modric. Everyone will definitely miss them.”
Ibrahimovic concluded with a philosophical reminder about the realities of elite sport.
“Considering his age, such a choice is completely understandable. Time spares no one—neither him nor me. That is simply part of competitive sports.”
Despite Portugal’s early exit, Ronaldo leaves the World Cup with an enduring legacy. Across six editions of the tournament, he became one of the competition’s greatest goalscorers while inspiring Portugal to several memorable campaigns.
Although the elusive World Cup trophy remained beyond his reach, Ronaldo’s achievements at club and international level continue to cement his place among football’s all-time greats.
