Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to share a nostalgic post commemorating Portugal's UEFA Euro 2016 final victory, posting a photograph of himself lifting the trophy alongside his Portugal teammates. The image captures Ronaldo celebrating the title-winning campaign from a decade ago.
Ronaldo's Milestone and Portugal's Achievements
At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer, having guided the national side to multiple international honours, including the UEFA Euro 2016 title and the inaugural UEFA Nations League crown. His Instagram post served as a reminder of that historic triumph.
Portugal's World Cup Campaign Ends Early
Portugal, hailed as one of the favourites to finally lift the FIFA World Cup trophy, ended their journey in the round of 16. A late Mikel Merino strike helped Spain clinch a 1-0 win in a match that featured stars like Bruno Fernandes, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Ronaldo. The match was expected to produce goals but ended in disappointment for Portugal.
Ronaldo, playing his last-ever FIFA World Cup as he had announced ahead of the Spain clash, left the pitch with sorrow and tears after a late winner from Merino and several missed chances by his side, including from him and Bruno Fernandes. This marked the end of the legendary striker's career on the grandest stage of football.
Ronaldo's World Cup Career Statistics
Since Ronaldo's debut at the World Cup, Portugal achieved fourth place in his debut tournament in 2006, followed by a round of 16 exit in 2010, a group stage exit in 2014, and another pre-quarterfinal exit in 2018. The 2022 edition saw Portugal making it to the quarterfinals, but it was his long-time rival Lionel Messi who captured the trophy for Argentina, delivering a sensational performance in the final.
Ronaldo's World Cup career ends with 27 matches (second most by a player) and just 11 goals, a tally considered underwhelming for a player of his stature and club accomplishments. Heading into the tournament, questions surrounded his participation, but he had a decent outing with three goals in five matches. However, in his final match, he made an unfortunate record: 17 shots without creating a single chance for his teammates, the most by any player in a World Cup match.
