Cristiano Ronaldo may have brought down the curtain on him FIFA World Cup career, but great France Thierry Henry believe the Portugal captain has nothing left to prove after building a legacy that will stand the test of time. Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16, Ronaldothe sixth and final appearance of football’s biggest tournament. The 41-year-old had confirmed before the knockout clash that the 2026 edition would be his last World Cup, although he did not announce his retirement from international football. Speaking on Fox Sports after Portugal’s exit, Henry paid tribute to Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and said his achievements had already secured his place among football’s all-time greats. “He will not need anyone to define his legacy; his legacy is untouchable. Whatever he decides, I wish him all the best. I wish I could pass 1000 goals. He inspired a lot of generational kids, especially with the way he breathes, lives and thinks about football,” said Henry. The former Arsenal striker also highlighted Ronaldo’s dedication to fitness and professionalism, saying the veteran striker remains a role model for aspiring footballers. “Look at his body, look at how he is; he is an example for everyone. Such a great man, all the best in what you want to do,” he added. Ronaldo finished his World Cup career with 27 appearances, the second highest tally in the history of the tournament, and 11 goals. Although his World Cup numbers never quite matched the remarkable standards he set in club football, he still made a significant impact in his final campaign scoring three goals in five games. The Portugal captain also continued to rewrite the record books during the tournament. In Portugal’s 32-year-old victory in Croatia, Ronaldo became the first player to appear in a FIFA World Cup knockout match aged 41 or older. That contest also marked the first World Cup match to feature two outfield players aged 40 or over, with Ronaldo lining up against his former Real Madrid team-mate. Luka Modric. He also became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days after scoring his first goal in the knockout stages of the competition. Portugal opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The double saw him overtake Eusebio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 10 goals and become the first footballer to score in six different editions of the tournament. Although Portugal’s quest for World Cup glory ended earlier than they had hoped, Henry believes Ronaldo’s impact on the game extends far beyond trophies and records, describing his legacy as one that no one needs to define.