Cristiano Ronaldo has said winning the UEFA Euro 2016 with Portugal means just as much to him as lifting the FIFA World Cup, following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal’s campaign came to an end on Monday after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner in stoppage time to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, the 41-year-old captain said he was proud of everything he had achieved with the Portuguese national team and had no regrets despite ending his World Cup journey without the trophy.
“I won Euro 2016, and for me it has the same value as the World Cup. That achievement will always remain with me,” Ronaldo said.
The veteran forward added that he leaves the tournament with a clear conscience, believing he gave everything for his country.
“I’ll wake up tomorrow with the same mindset. I gave my best. Before me, Portugal had won no major titles. I helped win three, and that makes me happy,” he said.
Ronaldo also confirmed that the 2026 tournament was his final FIFA World Cup, saying he would now spend time with his family before deciding what comes next.
“This was my last World Cup. Now I’ll have time to reflect, be with my family, and life goes on,” he stated.
Although disappointed by Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo praised his teammates and acknowledged Spain’s quality.
“We played well and gave everything. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Spain are one of the strongest teams, and they have what it takes to go far in this competition,” he said.
Ronaldo ends his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals across six tournaments, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
Despite never winning football’s biggest prize, he leaves the international stage as one of Portugal’s greatest players, having guided the country to the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League trophies.
Spain will now face the winner of the United States and Belgium clash in the quarter-finals.
