cristiano ronaldo Has said Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 victory has the same emotional value to him as winning the European Cup fifa world cupAlthough the World Cup is widely regarded as football’s ultimate prize. The Portugal captain was speaking after Portugal beat Spain 1-0 in the last 16, a match that ended his sixth and final World Cup appearance. Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner dashed Portugal’s hopes and put an end to them RonaldoA long pursuit of the one major trophy missing from his illustrious career. Speaking after the game, the 41-year-old admitted he was deeply disappointed to leave the World Cup without lifting the title but insisted he had no regrets about his efforts. “I’m sorry to leave the World Cup in this way. I gave it my all. I tried my best and I leave with a clear conscience. This is my last World Cup, yes, but I now have time to reflect and be with my family. I will not make any rash decisions.” Ronaldo added that he would not let the emotion of defeat affect any of his decisions about the future. “I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said. Looking back on his achievements in Portugal, Ronaldo noted that before his generation, the national team had never won a major international title. While acknowledging the prestige of the World Cup, he explained that ending Portugal’s trophy drought by winning Euro 2016 still meant the same to him personally. “I won three trophies for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not won one. The biggest trophy the national team has won is the European Cup in 2016, which to be honest is as important to me as the World Cup,” he said. During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the 2016 European Cup and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, changing the country’s fortunes on the international stage. The loss to Spain also marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal manager, after the Spaniard confirmed he would resign following their World Cup exit. Ronaldo reserved warm words for Martinez, praising his work and his role in the national team. “I love working with him,” Ronaldo said. “A great coach, a great person, he deserves credit for everything he has done for Portugal. I want to thank him and wish him well.” Looking back on Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo believes his team showed enough quality to advance, even if the result ultimately went against them. “It’s always sad to be eliminated from a major tournament. This is the World Cup. This team is really making its mark. In my opinion, we played well. Both scenarios can happen, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and move on,” he said. Although Ronaldo’s quest for a World Cup title ended in heartbreak, he made it clear that Portugal’s breakthrough victory at Euro 2016 remains the defining achievement of his international career, one that in his own eyes holds the same emotional significance as the sport’s highest prize.
