Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has spoken out and sent a message to superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo after his nation’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Prior to the Selection of Quinas’ Round of 16 clash against Spain, Ronaldo had announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. The game turned out to be his final one at the tournament, as Mikel Merino’s injury-time winner (90+1′) for Spain condemned the Quinas Selection to a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat.
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Montenegro, who watched the events unfold at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, spoke to media after the game. He said (via The Game):
“We are naturally very sad about the result, but at the same time very recognized and proud of the journey this team has taken. We had our chances, Spain did too, but there’s no doubt we could have won the game. We have to recognize this, but do it with humility, but also with a sense of gratitude towards the athletes, technical staff and management of the FPF.”
Expressing his support for Ronaldo, Montenegro added:
“He is today the greatest reference of Portugal and Portugueseness in the world. An asset that we cannot, under any circumstances, waste in promoting around the world… Whether in the sporting or general sphere, we can say that when he is available, he can make his contribution.”
Although he played and scored in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup (11 goals in 27 games), Ronaldo’s best-ever result with Portugal was a fourth-place finish in 2006.
“An exemplary role model for future generations” – Spain star lavishes praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s eliminiation from 2026 FIFA World Cup
After Spain‘s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, star midfielder Rodri lavished praise on superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner had a stellar outing at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. He dominated in the midfield, completing 86 of his 92 passes (93%), winning all four of his duels (100%) and making four tackles, one block and seven ball recoveries (stats via FotMob).
The 30-year-old was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional display. In his post-game interview, among other things, he spoke highly of Ronaldo‘s legacy in the sport of football.
Rodri said (via @TimelineCR7 on X):
“I believe Portugal should be immensely proud of Cristiano. It’s amazing. He is an exemplary role model for future generations. When we talk about Cristiano, we’re talking about one of the greatest players in football history.”
“His mentality, his understanding of the game, his constant pursuit of goals, and his relentless drive to stay in the best shape possible, I think that’s something truly remarkable for a player of his age,” Rodri added.
Up next, Rodri and Spain will be seen in action in their FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Belgium on Friday (July 10).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj