Cristiano Ronaldo Stands by Claim That EURO Win Equals World Cup Triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo Defends Claim That EURO Win Equals World Cup Triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo faced ridicule when he claimed that winning the European Championship with Portugal was equal to lifting the World Cup. Ronaldo, who captained Portugal to victory at EURO 2016 and followed it up with the UEFA Nations League title in 2018/19, remains firm in his belief.

While Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, securing his eighth Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo has a different perspective on international success. Despite never winning a World Cup, he equates Portugal’s EURO triumph with football’s most coveted trophy.

After becoming the first footballer to reach 900 career goals, Ronaldo told RTP3:

“Portugal winning the European Championship is equivalent to lifting the World Cup. I won both trophies for Portugal, which I really wanted, so the World Cup doesn’t motivate me.”