Cristiano Ronaldo shockingly claims ‘winning Euros with Portugal is equivalent to winning World Cup’

Cristiano Ronaldo recently claimed that winning the European title is equivalent to winning the FIFA World Cup, stirring controversy. 

Cristiano Ronaldo shockingly claims ‘winning Euros with Portugal is equivalent to winning World Cup’

Cristiano Ronaldo stated that winning the Euros with Portugal is equivalent to winning the World Cup. (via ESPN)

Cristiano Ronaldo has added to the ongoing World Cup-Euro debate, claiming that winning the European title is equivalent to winning the FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old made these comments while reflecting on Portugal’s 2016 Euro winning campaign. 

The Al-Nassr star, recently, scored his 900th career goal, making him the only footballer to have reached that mark. It also puts him way ahead of arch-rival and second-placed Lionel Messi, who has 838 career goals. Despite his heroics, Portugal has recently endured a difficult time on the international stage, having been knocked out early in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Euros. Their last major trophy came in 2019 when they won the UEFA Nations League, and the Euros in 2016, defeating France.

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In a recent interview on RPT3, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stirred controversy, when he stated that winning the Euros with Portugal holds as much prestige as winning the World Cup. He then added on by saying that he had already achieved what he wanted with the national team, and was not attracted to winning the World Cup. Moreover, Ronaldo also commented on the World Cup being more pressurizing, but the Euros also being equally tense, making the two tournaments tactically similar. 

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Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup. I've already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I'm not motivated by that [World Cup].
Cristiano Ronaldo reflecting on Portugal’s 2016 Euro triumph

Ronaldo’s statements echoed those of Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who in a recent interview, had stated that the Euros is tougher, compared to the World Cup. Ronaldo is yet to taste World Cup success, with the nation’s highest-ever finish being in the 3rd place in 1966.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as he becomes first player ever to score 900 career goals

Former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after becoming the first player ever to reach the historic milestone of 900 career goals. The 39-year-old veteran forward scored it for Portugal, against Croatia, in a 2-1 victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo 900 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal, breaking down in tears. (via BBC)

Despite his age, the Portuguese skipper has shown no signs of slowing down, with his eyes set on the 2026 World Cup. Against Croatia, he turned in a brilliant cross from Nuno Mendes into the back of the net, in the 34th minute. Ronaldo was visibly emotional on the pitch, as he broke down near the corner flag. He even emotionally clutched his face in his hands, in celebration of the milestone.

The goal, also marked his 131st strike for the Portuguese national team, making him the highest international goal-scorer. He has 769 goals at club level, playing for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. 

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