Ronaldo: My Euro glory equals winning World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that Portugal’s historic triumph at the 2016 UEFA European Championship carries the same significance as winning the FIFA World Cup.

The achievement, he insisted, remains the defining moment of his international career despite ending his World Cup journey without lifting football’s biggest prize.

The Portuguese captain made the remarks after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a Round of 16 defeat to Spain.

The result also brought the curtain down on what he confirmed would be his final appearance at the global tournament.

Although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football, the 41-year-old said he would carefully consider his next steps and would not rush into making any decision about his future with the national team.

Reflecting on his two-decade spell with Portugal, Ronaldo argued that his greatest accomplishment was transforming the country’s fortunes on the international stage.

“I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly,” he said.

Ronaldo maintained that while winning the World Cup would have completed his trophy collection, Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 remains a landmark achievement because it delivered the country’s first major international title.

The veteran forward captained Portugal to that memorable success in France, where they defeated the hosts after extra time to secure the nation’s maiden European Championship.

His latest comments come after his sixth appearance at the World Cup ended earlier than expected.

The development denied him one final opportunity to add the coveted FIFA trophy to a glittering career that has spanned more than two decades.

Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, Ronaldo has amassed more than 950 career goals while winning five UEFA Champions League titles and multiple domestic league crowns in England, Spain and Italy before continuing his career in Saudi Arabia.

The World Cup remains the only major honour absent from his extensive list of achievements.

This contrast has frequently featured in comparisons with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, who completed his own career collection by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.

Despite falling short of that milestone, Ronaldo insisted his contributions had permanently changed Portuguese football.

He argued that the silverware won during his era stands as lasting proof of his impact on the national team.

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