Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Why He Cried After Missing Penalty at Euro 2024
In a candid interview on his YouTube channel with Rio Ferdinand, veteran Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about the emotional moment he cried after missing a penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024.
Ronaldo, 39, was inconsolable after missing the 105th-minute penalty, which could have seen Portugal eliminated from the competition. However, Portugal went on to win the match in a penalty shootout, with Ronaldo himself converting the first penalty.
In the interview, Ronaldo explained that he cried not because he felt the world would come crashing down if Portugal were eliminated, but because he felt a deep sense of disappointment and sadness. "Imagine in the last 27 penalties, you score," he said. "I missed and in that moment, you bad about myself, I didn’t even think about that. The people who come to the stadium, your kids, your mom, your girlfriend, everyone. I felt sad because of that."
Ronaldo’s emotional reaction to the penalty miss has sparked widespread interest and debate, with many fans and pundits praising the footballer for his honesty and vulnerability. The incident has also raised questions about the mental and emotional toll that high-pressure situations can take on athletes.
Despite the setback, Ronaldo has bounced back strongly, helping Portugal to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition. The footballer’s interview has provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of his mind and has reminded fans of the human side of one of the world’s greatest athletes.