Cristiano Ronaldo has said Portugal’s historic win at UEFA Euro 2016 has the same meaning for him as winning the tournament. FIFA World Cupalthough the World Cup is widely regarded as football’s ultimate prize. The Portugal captain made the comments after his country lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16, ending their sixth and final FIFA World Cup campaign. Mikel Merino’s injury-time winner dashed Portugal’s hopes and brought him down Ronaldo‘Looking for the one big trophy that has eluded him in his glittering career. Speaking after the game, the 41-year-old admitted he was disappointed to leave the tournament without lifting the World Cup, but insisted he had no regrets. “I am sad that I am leaving the World Cup like this. I did everything I could. I did everything I could, and I am leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I will have time to think and be with my family. Ronaldo added that he will not let the defeat affect any decisions regarding his future. “I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said. Reflecting on what he did with Portugal, Ronaldo said the national team had never won a major international title before his generation. While acknowledging the popularity of the World Cup, he explained that ending Portugal’s drought and winning Euro 2016 still means something to him personally. “I have won three titles in Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo won, Portugal had not won one title. The biggest title that the national team won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is as important to me as the World Cup,” he said. During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal lift the UEFA European Championship in 2016 before adding the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, transforming the country at international level. Defeat to Spain also signaled the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal head coach as the Spaniard confirmed he will step down after the World Cup exit. Ronaldo reserved positive words for Martinez, praising his work with the national team and his character. “I loved working with him,” Ronaldo said. “A great manager, a great person, and what he did in Portugal should be appreciated. I want to thank him and wish him all the happiness.” Reflecting on Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo felt his team had shown enough to progress, even if the results went against them. “It’s always sad to be kicked out of a big tournament, it’s the World Cup, the team is coming alone. We played well in my opinion. It could have gone either way, but it’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and move on,” he said. Although Ronaldo’s quest to win the World Cup ended tragically, he made it clear that Portugal’s victory at Euro 2016 remains the fulfillment of his international career and, in his eyes, has the same meaning as the sport’s greatest prize.