Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship career ended in heartbreak on Friday, as Portugal was ousted from the tournament following a quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to France.
After 120 minutes of goalless play, Ronaldo successfully converted his penalty, but Portugal fell 5-3 after France’s flawless execution from the spot, coupled with João Félix’s miss off the post.
Ronaldo had previously suggested that Euro 2024 would be his last, given that he will be 43 by the next tournament, and confirmed it earlier in the week. He was unable to score during this campaign.
He previously won the Euro 2016 title with Portugal, defeating France in the final, which remains his sole major international trophy. It’s uncertain if he will aim to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal had already won one penalty shootout in the round of 16 against Slovenia, where goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three attempts. However, in this match, Costa couldn’t stop any of France’s penalties, as Ousmele Dembele, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Kounde, Bradley Barcola, and Theo Hernandez all scored.
Ronaldo’s penalty was dramatic; he paused twice during his run-up before slotting the ball past France’s Mike Maignan. However, Portugal’s hopes dimmed when Félix’s third kick hit the post.
Earlier, Ronaldo missed a prime chance in the third minute of extra time, sending a close-range shot over the bar, resulting in a visibly pained expression.
Kylian Mbappé, wearing a mask to protect his broken nose, was substituted by Didier Deschamps after extra time due to injury concerns. Despite this gamble, it paid off as Mbappé celebrated with his teammates after the shootout.
France now advances to face Spain, still without a goal from open play, but firmly in the hunt for another major tournament title.