Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed that Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2016 triumph holds the same value to him as winning the FIFA World Cup, despite ending his international career without football’s biggest prize.
The Portugal captain made the remarks following his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that his legacy with the national team should not be defined by the one major trophy he never won.
Speaking after Portugal’s exit, Ronaldo highlighted the unprecedented success he helped bring to the national team.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” Ronaldo said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted that Portugal’s historic triumph at UEFA Euro 2016 remains the greatest achievement of his international career.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Ronaldo’s comments are consistent with a view he first expressed in September 2024 after becoming the first men’s footballer to reach 900 official career goals.
Following Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory over Croatia, he said:
“Portugal winning the Euros is equivalent to winning a World Cup.”
He also explained that his motivation has never been solely about collecting trophies.
“I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted. I’m not motivated by that. I’m motivated by enjoying football, and the records come naturally.”
The 41-year-old’s latest remarks came as he reflected on the conclusion of his FIFA World Cup journey, confirming that the 2026 tournament marked his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Although Ronaldo never captured the World Cup, he pointed to Portugal’s historic UEFA Euro 2016 title, along with the UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025, as defining achievements of his international career.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo said he leaves the World Cup with no regrets, maintaining that his contribution to Portuguese football should be measured by the trophies he helped deliver and the lasting legacy he built over nearly two decades in the national team.
