Cristiano Ronaldo says Portugal’s historic UEFA Euro 2016 victory has the same emotional value for him as winning the FIFA World Cupeven though the World Cup is widely regarded as the best prize in football. The Portugal captain made the comments following his country’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16, a result that ended his sixth and final FIFA World Cup campaign. Mikel Merino’s injury-time winner dashed Portugal’s hopes and brought the curtain down Ronaldo:The long search for a major trophy has been missing from his glittering career. Speaking after the match, the 41-year-old admitted he was very disappointed to leave the tournament without lifting the World Cup but insisted he did not regret his efforts. “I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this. I gave everything. I did my best, and I leave with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I now have time to reflect and be with my family. Ronaldo added that he will not let the emotions of defeat influence any decisions about his future. “I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said. Reflecting on his achievements in Portugal, Ronaldo pointed out that the national team had never won a major international title before his generation. While acknowledging the prestige of the World Cup, he explained that ending Portugal’s trophy drought by winning Euro 2016 remains meaningful for him on a personal level. “I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal did not win a title. The biggest title won by the national team was 2016, the European Championship, which, in fact, is as important to me as a World Cup,” he said. During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal lift the UEFA European Championship in 2016 before adding UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, changing the country’s fortunes on the international stage. Spain’s defeat also marked the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal’s head coach after the Spaniard confirmed he will step down following the World Cup exit. Ronaldo reserved warm words for Martinez, praising his work with the national team and his character. “I love working with him,” Ronaldo said. “A great manager, a great person, and what he has done for Portugal should be praised. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness.” Looking back on Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo felt his side showed enough quality to improve, even if the result ultimately went against them. “It’s always sad to be knocked out in a major tournament. This is the World Cup. The team is coming into its own. We played well, I think. It could be anywhere, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and move on,” he said. Although Ronaldo’s quest to win the World Cup ended in tragedy, he explained that Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 remains the most important achievement in his international career and, in his own eyes, carries the same emotional meaning as the sport’s greatest prize.