Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he is playing in his last European Championship after leading his team to a dramatic Euro 2024 Round of 16 win over Slovenia on penalties in Frankfurt on Monday (July 1). Despite missing a penalty in extra time, he redeemed himself by scoring in the shootout.
Throughout the game, Ronaldo had several chances to break the deadlock, including a powerful free-kick that narrowly missed the mark. His most notable miss came from the penalty spot just before half-time in extra time, with Jan Oblak making a superb save. A teary-eyed Ronaldo was consoled by his teammates, but he quickly regrouped and took the first spot-kick for his team in the shootout after Slovenia missed their attempt.
Ronaldo made no mistake this time, driving the ball low to Oblak’s right. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also converted their penalties, as Portugal secured a last-eight match against France after Slovenia missed all three of their attempts, a first in Euro history.
In a post-game interview, Ronaldo confirmed this would be his final European Championship:
“This will be my last European Championship, of course. But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves. Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.
“It’s not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won’t be about one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.”
Looking ahead, Ronaldo and his team are set for a quarterfinal clash with two-time winners France on Friday (July 5) in Hamburg. Ronaldo, who made history by becoming the first player to score in Euro shootouts in three different editions and the oldest to score in a shootout, explained why he opted to take the first penalty:
“We have a tough game now against France, who are one of the favourites to win. But we’re going to war, the team is doing well, and I’ll always give my best in this shirt.”
Ronaldo, aiming to become the first player to score in six different Euros and the oldest to score in the European Championship finals, remains focused on helping Portugal add to their 2016 title at Euro 2024.
