"Pride, passion, responsibility": Ronaldo's message ahead of FIFA WC opener against DR Congo
Texas, June 17
Portugal captain and star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has shared a message ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against DR Congo, expressing pride, responsibility and determination as he prepares to lead the team onto the global stage once again.
In an X post, Ronaldo reflected on the significance of representing Portugal, saying that every time the team wears the national jersey, it carries the same pride and passion as on the first day.
"Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion, and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day. Tomorrow begins a new chapter. We worked hard to reach this moment, and now it's time to give everything for our Country, and for all the Portuguese communities that support us here and around the world. Believe it like we do!" the Portugal skipper wrote.
The statement comes on the eve of Portugal's opening fixture against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 17 (as per Indian Standard Time).
A few days back, Ronaldo posted multiple photos on his Instagram account showing him training with his Portugal teammates at their camp in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The Portugal captain featured in both warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria but did not find the net, while his team won both encounters 2-1.
Speaking before the team's departure to the United States on June 12, the 41-year-old declared his fitness while responding to questions from reporters, saying, as quoted by ESPN, "Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?"
Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances (227) and goals (143) in men's international football. He is now aiming to win the only major trophy that has eluded his career.
Ronaldo said Portugal is excited for the World Cup, describing it as a special tournament like the European Championship, and added that the team will go in with hope and optimism.
"We're really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we're heading there full of hope," he said.
Portugal has yet to win the FIFA World Cup, with their best result coming in 1966 when they finished third. However, they enter the tournament with a strong squad, led by players such as Bruno Fernandes, who is coming off an excellent season with Manchester United.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Respect to Ronaldo for still giving his all, but let's be real - Portugal's best days were in 2016 with the Euros. The World Cup is a different beast. DR Congo might surprise them in the opener. 🇨🇩
The way he talks about wearing the jersey with pride - that's what sports are all about! We Indians understand that feeling when our cricket team wears the blue jersey. Ronaldo is a true legend. Hope he scores a hat-trick in his first match! 🐐🔥
Does anyone else think Ronaldo is past his prime? He didn't score in those warm-up matches, and at 41, the pace of the World Cup might be too much. Portugal needs to build around Bruno Fernandes now, not Ronaldo. Just my two cents.
Ronaldo's message is so heartfelt! It reminds me of how our Indian athletes talk about representing the country at the Olympics. That sense of duty and love for the nation is universal. Best of luck to Portugal! 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇹
"Believe it like we do!" - that's the spirit! But honestly, Portugal's defense is a concern. They conceded goals against Chile and Nigeria. DR Congo has some quick attackers. If Portugal wants to go far, they need to tighten up at the back. Ronaldo can't do everything alone. 😅
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