"Ronaldo" Leaves Heartfelt Message After Portugal Beats Croatia to Reach 2026 World Cup Round of 16,
On 3 July 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, the star striker and captain of the Portugal national team, gave an interview after Portugal narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. "CR7" scored a penalty to equalize at 1-1 in the 68th minute before Gonzalo Ramos headed the winning goal in the 90+4th minute.
After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo wore the Portugal national team jersey number 21 of Diogo Jota on the field, leading the players in remembering their late former teammate on the first anniversary of his death in a car accident along with his brother André Silva on 3 July 2025.
When asked about remembering Diogo Jota after Portugal's come-from-behind win over Croatia to reach the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo said, "We knew about this before the game. It was a very special moment.
"Today, we in the team talked about life's coincidences. It's truly unbelievable. I was deeply moved because today’s situation means so much to us—not just because we won the match but also how we achieved victory."
"We know he is always with us, and winning today is the most fitting way to honor him."
The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match schedule: Portugal will face Spain on Monday, 6 July 2026 at 02:00 (early morning 7 July, Thai time).
