EURO 2016 my biggest title, means same to me as World Cup –Ronaldo
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after his team crashed out of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup to Spain’s stoppage time winner, scored by substitute Mikel Merino.
The 41-year-old legendary striker who has played his last World Cup game, could not hold back his tears while reacting to the outcome of the match played at the Dallas Stadium.
Ronaldo who confirmed before the game against Spain that this would be his last World Cup was emotional and in tears as he clapped and waved to Portuguese fans in the stadium after the match dubbed the ‘Iberian derby’.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
After Portugal’s fruitless campaign, Ronaldo downplayed the necessity of a World Cup medal to cement his national team legacy.
He noted that his triumph at EURO 2026 was his proudest achievement and that he had already secured the major international trophies he truly desired.
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“My biggest title with Portugal is EURO 2016, and that trophy means the SAME to me as the World Cup,” he said.
Following Portugal’s elimination by Spain, Ronaldo’s World Cup career concluded with historic landmarks.
He is the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for the Portugal National Football Team, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football history.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal scoring tally is spread across various major tournaments and qualification campaigns over his illustrious 23-year international career as a professional football player.
