Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)
Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said his Euro 2016 triumph with Portugal carries the same weight for him as a World Cup title, as he reflected on the end of his World Cup career following Monday’s Round of 16 elimination to Spain.
Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in Arlington, Texas, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from substitute Mikel Merino, ending Ronaldo’s sixth and, by his own admission, final World Cup campaign.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ronaldo said the continental title he won with Portugal a decade ago meant as much to him as football’s biggest prize, which eluded him across his international career.
“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.
