European Championship round of sixteen - Please forgive me: Ronaldo's tearful evening in Frankfurt
Late at night, Cristiano Ronaldo was caught once again. In the catacombs of Frankfurt, the heavily burdened superstar got teary-eyed during an interview, his voice faltering.
After weeks of communicating only through Instagram, Ronaldo went from microphone to microphone after the thrilling crime in the Europa League quarterfinals against Slovenia. He spoke openly about his feelings, which he had previously shown, tearfully, on the grass in front of millions of fans worldwide. The media professional knew how to make the most of the memorable evening once again.
Last Time at the EM
Due to the football drama with the relentlessly weeping main character Ronaldo, he sent martial greetings to superstar Kylian Mbappé, who, as vice-world champion France, will face Portugal in the EM semifinal on Friday (21.00 CET). "We will have a difficult game against France. They are one of the favorites for the title," said the 39-year-old world star. "But we're going to war." On Monday evening, he was once again the drama king.
The encounter with Mbappé could indeed be Ronaldos last great hurrah at a European Championship. After 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024, for the record-player and record-goalscorer on the European stage, the European Championship stage will be ending, as he revealed after the thrilling shootout victory over Slovenia. The tournament in 2028 in Great Britain will have to take place without the shining football figure.
The most memorable moments of his farewell tour at the European Championship are likely already behind him. When he failed to score from a penalty kick in the 105th minute against the outstanding Jan Oblak, Ronaldo broke down in tears on the field, even before the shootout. His teammates comforted him on the grass, and his mother wept on the sidelines. In the shootout, the captain stepped up again, converted the decisive penalty, and raised his hands in front of his own fans. The clear message: Please forgive me.
Pictures that went around the sports world. Whether Diogo Costa wrote European Championship history with three saved penalties? Whether the brave Slovenians missed their first-ever semifinal berth by a hair's breadth after four draws in four games? Whether Oldie Pepe became a success factor for the Portuguese? All secondary matters. Only Ronaldo mattered.
BBC mocks Ronaldo after penalty
It was similar in the European Championship final in 2016, when Ronaldo was forced to leave the game injured against France - and, as self-appointed co-trainer, appeared more often on the sidelines in the media than most players on the field.
This time, Ronaldo played the full 120 minutes. "Of course, I was incredibly sad and happy afterwards. That's football. You can't explain what happens. Sometimes it's all or nothing, and then the fate and luck turn," said Ronaldo this time, once his world was back in order.
Rarely had he been seen so emotionally during a game. Teammates had to support him, a role that had often been reversed in the past. "You can't fail if you don't try," emphasized Ronaldo. "Making people happy motivates me the most." In the international media, there was talk of the "Tragedy of Cristiano" (Marca) and "Misstiano Penaldo" (BBC).
"An honor to play with him"
That the fortunate outcome of the Achtelfinal-Crime series put an end to the debates about Ronaldo's still exposed role seems doubtful. Once again, the veteran took the ball during the match against Slovenia, despite all the standards. In contrast to the well-shot penalty, some free kick attempts were unsuccessful. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a similar situation during the tournament led to Goncalo Ramos eventually replacing Ronaldo in the starting lineup for the next match against Switzerland, which was then won with a score of 6:1.
However, internally, no one is stepping down from Ronaldo. "Only those who shoot penalties can miss. He showed us the way to victory. The captain's seat is behind him. We are very satisfied with him," said Chief Coach Roberto Martinez about his captain.
Even Matchwinner Costa wanted to keep quiet about his heroic actions in the showdown and instead gushed: "We all know that Cristiano works the hardest. I can understand how frustrated he is. It's an honor and a joy to play with him."
- After the thrilling game in the Europa League quarterfinals against Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his emotions to various media outlets in Frankfurt, Germany, located in the state of Hesse.
- Due to his emotional performance during the game, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message to Kylian Mbappé, who will represent France in the European Championship semifinal against Portugal in Frankfurt am Main.
- The European Championship is likely to be Ronaldos last significant appearance on the European stage, as he revealed after the shootout victory over Slovenia.
- In an emotional moment during the game, Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after missing a penalty kick, even before the shootout began.
- Kylian Mbappé and France will face Portugal in the European Championship semifinal, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading Portugal's squad.
- The European Championship semifinal between Portugal and France is scheduled to take place on Friday at 21:00 CET, in Frankfurt.
- Following the shootout victory over Slovenia, Cristiano Ronaldo raised his hands in celebration, conveying a message of forgiveness to his fans.
- The outcome of the Europa League quarterfinals, which saw Portugal advance against Slovenia after a penalty shootout, put an end to the debates about Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the team.
- According to Roberto Martinez, the coach of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo is still an essential player for the team, despite some missed opportunities during the game.
- Goncalo Ramos, a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, expressed his respect for the Portuguese captain, stating that it is an honor and joy to play alongside him.
