Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on World Cup exit, values Euro 2016 win
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 1:10 AM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo marked the end of his World Cup career after Portugal's defeat to Spain in the last-16 on July 6. Following the match, Ronaldo reflected on not winning the tournament, emphasizing his Euro 2016 victory as equally significant. The 41-year-old stated he leaves with a clear conscience and pride in his contributions to Portugal, highlighting the importance of the European Championship in the nation's history. He confirmed this World Cup was his last but stopped short of announcing his retirement from international play.
- •Ronaldo confirmed this was his last World Cup appearance.
- •Portugal lost to Spain in the last-16 on July 6.
- •He won Euro 2016, the only major title for Portugal before his era.
- •Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.
- •He expressed pride in his contributions and his legacy.
- 1:10 AMYahoo Sports — Cristiano Ronaldo plays down career World Cup failure: ‘Euros just as significant’
"Ronaldo has played his final minutes at a World Cup following Portugal’s exit, meaning he will retire having never won football’s biggest prize
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