Ronaldo says Euro 2016 triumph equals World Cup after Portugal’s exit

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has said winning the UEFA Euro 2016 title with Portugal means as much to him as lifting the FIFA World Cup, following his country’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

 

Portugal crashed out of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their Round of 16 clash on Monday in Arlington, Texas, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.

 

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo reflected on what he described as his final World Cup appearance, saying Portugal’s historic European Championship triumph remains one of the greatest achievements of his career.

 

“I’ve won Euro 2016 and for me it has the same dimension as the World Cup. That remains forever. Tomorrow is a new day, and we go,” he said.

 

The 41-year-old said he had no regrets about ending his World Cup journey without winning the tournament, insisting he had given everything for his country.

 

“I will wake up tomorrow with the same mood as I did today. I did my best. I won three titles with Portugal; before me it was zero titles. I can only be happy,” he added.

 

Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament marked his final World Cup, although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

 

“It’s been my last World Cup, yes… but now I will have time to think, stay with my family and life continues,” he said.

 

The veteran forward said Portugal produced a commendable performance despite the defeat.

 

“I’m leaving with a clear conscience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

 

“I’m sad now after being eliminated like this, but I gave it my very best.

 

“We played a good game. We could have done better, but Spain are among the best. They will get to the final or close,” Ronaldo said.

 

Ronaldo ends his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals across six editions of the tournament. His best performance came at the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal reached the semi-finals.

 

Although he never won the World Cup, Ronaldo guided Portugal to their maiden European Championship title in 2016 and has also won two UEFA Nations League titles with the national team.

 

Spain will face the winner of the United States-Belgium tie in the quarter-finals.