Cristiano Ronaldo laboured through his last FIFA World Cup match on Monday as the dream of winning the biggest prize of all ended in a 1-0 defeat to Spain and left him fighting back tears.

Ronaldo, who has won it all in a trophy-laden career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, was largely ineffectual as he huffed and puffed through a disappointing last-16 clash in Texas. The 41-year-old Portugal captain and one of the best players of all time says he will now go away and think about what comes next.

Among his bulging trophy cabinet, there will be no World Cup winners medal, and he was largely ineffectual as he huffed and puffed through a disappointing last-16 clash in Texas.

The veteran talisman's display in a disappointing game summed up what he has become in recent years – a shadow of the player that once struck fear into opponents.

With three attempts at goal and playing through the centre of an ineffectual Portugal attack, Ronaldo struggled to make any meaningful impact on the game. He scored three times at the tournament in North America in his World Cup farewell – twice in a 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia in the last 32.

Ronaldo did not register a single assist at the tournament and at one point against Spain threw his hands up in the air as a team-mate's pass went astray.

He left the pitch at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on his own.

Ronaldo went from growing up in a poor family on the island of Madeira, with an alcoholic father, to become a global superstar. His eternal thirst for records coupled with a relentless drive for self-improvement and tireless devotion to his art sustained him into his 40s.

Off the field, he is a phenomenon too – the first billionaire footballer, boasting 671 million followers on Instagram and his “Siuuu!” celebration mimicked by star-struck children the world over.

The narrative around Ronaldo has shifted in recent years, with his powers on the wane and lacking the mesmerising turn of foot and pace that were once his hallmark, he moved from the wings to a more traditional number nine role.

Ronaldo and Portugal coach Roberto Martinez have been accused of dragging his international career out beyond its sell-by date.

Martinez made two double changes late on as they chased the game against Spain, but Ronaldo remained on the pitch regardless.

“That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer,” Ronaldo said, struggling to raise his voice above the crushing disappointment. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on.”