Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their 1–0 loss to Spain, offering a powerful reflection on his legacy and what he values most in his international career.
Speaking to the media, Ronaldo said:
Tomorrow I’ll wake up the same way I did today, with a clear conscience. I gave my best. I won three trophies with Portugal, and Portugal hadn’t won a single trophy before Cristiano.
The greatest trophy I won with the national team was Euro 2016. For me, it’s on the same level as the World Cup.
Softfootball understands Ronaldo’s revelation highlights a significant truth which is Portugal had never won any major national team trophy before he joined the Seleção. His arrival transformed the nation’s footballing history, leading to Euro 2016, the 2019 Nations League, and other honours.
