For Cristiano Ronaldo, winning a major international trophy with Portugal was a dream that took years to fulfil. He had conquered club football with Manchester United and Real Madrid, collected individual
awards and established himself as one of the world’s leading players. Despite all of that, when he represented his country, the biggest prize continued to elude him.
His first major heartbreak came at Euro 2004. Portugal reached the final on home soil, but Greece stunned the hosts with a 1-0 victory. Ronaldo, who was just 19 at the time, was left in tears. Twelve years later, he would get another chance to make history.
The Road to Euro 2016
Portugal entered Euro 2016 without being among the leading favourites. Their group-stage campaign was far from convincing, as they drew all three matches against Iceland, Austria and Hungary. They advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, keeping their hopes alive despite an uneven start.
The knockout rounds brought more tension as Portugal edged past Croatia after extra time and defeated Poland on penalties in the quarter-finals. Against Wales in the semi-final, Ronaldo rose to head home the opening goal before Nani added a second, securing a 2-0 win and a place in the final.
Standing between Portugal and their first major international trophy were hosts France, who had impressed throughout the tournament. With Antoine Griezmann in fine form and the final being played in front of a home crowd, France carried considerable expectations.
A Final that changed everything for Cristiano Ronaldo
The final in Saint-Denis on July 10, 2016, began with a major setback for Portugal. Ronaldo injured his knee following a challenge from Dimitri Payet and tried to continue, but the pain proved too much. After receiving treatment, he was forced off in the 25th minute, leaving the pitch in tears.
For Portugal, losing their captain and most recognisable attacking threat was a huge blow. France pushed forward, but goalkeeper Rui Patricio produced important saves, while Portugal’s defence held firm. Andre-PierreGignac came close to winning the match for France late in normal time, only to see his effort strike the post.
Extra time brought the moment Portugal had been waiting for as in the 109th minute, substitute Eder collected the ball outside the penalty area and struck a powerful low shot beyond Hugo Lloris. It was his first competitive goal for Portugal, and it proved decisive. Portugal held on to win 1-0 and claim their first major international title. Although Ronaldo could not finish the final on the pitch, he remained involved from the sidelines, encouraging his teammates and urging them forward. When the final whistle sounded, the tears that had followed his injury gave way to joy as he celebrated with the squad.
