Cristiano Ronaldo experienced an evening full of emotion. After Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, the Portuguese captain paid tribute to Luka Modric, very likely after the final match of his international career.
CR7 does not forget his friends. Those who are still here, and those who are no longer with us. At 40, Luka Modric may therefore have worn the Croatian shirt for the last time. The midfielder, an absolute legend of the Vatreni, may be leaving the international stage after 202 caps and 29 goals. Beaten by Portugal, Croatia has probably seen one of the greatest chapters in its history come to an end.
A powerful tribute to Modric and Jota
A former teammate of Modric at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo made sure to salute the Croatian maestro after the match. The two men won everything together in Madrid, forming one of the most respected duos in European football for years. “I said goodbye to him, yes. He remains a football legend, we are almost the same age. I have a lot of respect for Modric, for everything he continues to achieve in football,” Ronaldo told Sport TV.
But the evening also carried a very special meaning for Portugal. The match was played exactly one year after the tragic death of Diogo Jota. It was inevitably a heavy date for the Seleção, who secured qualification with a huge emotional charge. Ronaldo also dedicated the victory to his former teammate: “It is a special day, in tribute to our Jota, who is up there and lights our way. We know he is present among us, and it was only natural to win today to honour him in the best possible way,” the Portuguese forward said.
At 41, Ronaldo is also very likely playing in his final World Cup. With 232 caps and 146 goals, the Portuguese captain continues to write his legend, but he knows that every match can now carry the feeling of a farewell. Between Modric’s possible final match with Croatia, the tribute to Diogo Jota and Portugal’s qualification, this evening will remain one of the strongest moments of this World Cup.
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