Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph means just as much to him as winning the FIFA World Cup after Spain crashed his final World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
Portugal’s dream ended on Monday night after a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas, with substitute Mikel Merino netting a late stoppage-time winner to send the Spaniards into the quarter-finals.
The painful defeat officially brought an end to Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup appearance, closing the curtain on one of football’s greatest international careers.
Speaking emotionally after the match, the Portuguese captain insisted he had no regrets despite never lifting football’s biggest trophy.
“I’ve won Euro 2016 and for me it has same dimension as the World Cup. That remains forever. Tomorrow is a new day, and we go,” he said.
Ronaldo said he remains proud of everything he achieved with Portugal, especially after helping the country secure major trophies for the first time in its history.
“I will wake up tomorrow with 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.
The 41-year-old superstar also confirmed that the tournament marked the end of his World Cup journey.
“It’s been my last World Cup, yes… but now I will have time to think, stay with my family and life continues,” he stated.
Despite the disappointment, Ronaldo said he would leave the tournament with a “clear conscience,” insisting he gave everything for his country.
“I’m leaving with clear conscience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
“I’m sad now after being eliminated like this… but I gave it all, my very best.
“We played a good game; the performance was well done. We could have done better, but Spain are among the best; they will get to the final or close,” he said.
Ronaldo ends his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals across six tournaments, but without the elusive trophy that remained the only major honour missing from his glittering collection.
At the 2026 World Cup, he scored twice against Uzbekistan and added another goal from the penalty spot against Croatia.
Although the World Cup title escaped him, Ronaldo’s legacy remains firmly intact after leading Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and winning two UEFA Nations League titles.
Spain now move on to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the USA vs Belgium clash.
