Cristiano Ronaldo did not hide his deep disappointment after Portugal failed to bypass Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. However, the legendary forward pointed out that his Euro 2016 triumph with his country remains a monumental achievement that, to him, is equivalent to winning the World Cup.
This tournament marks the final World Cup appearance for the 41-year-old icon with the Seleção, drawing the curtain on a historic career spanning six editions, during which his best finish was fourth place.
Following the defeat to Spain, sealed by a Mikel Oyarzabal goal, Ronaldo said: “I am sad that we were eliminated this way, but I truly gave everything I could.”
He added, “Yes, this was my last World Cup appearance. Now I have time to reflect and sit with my family; in the end, life goes on. Tomorrow I will wake up with the same feelings I have today, knowing I did my absolute best.”
Ronaldo concluded, “I won three titles with Portugal—before me, the country had achieved none. I can be happy, and for me, Euro 2016 is just like winning the World Cup.”
It is worth noting that alongside Euro 2016, Ronaldo captured the UEFA Nations League twice, while his eternal rival Lionel Messi successfully claimed the ultimate World Cup glory with Argentina in Qatar 2022.
