Some post-match interviews in football have become iconic because of the sheer emotion displayed by players, managers, and fans. These interviews often highlight the intense passion, frustration, or joy that comes with the highs and lows of the sport. Here are a few of the most emotional post-match interviews of all time:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Euro 2004 (Portugal vs Greece)
After Portugal lost to Greece in the final of Euro 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo, then just 19 years old, was visibly devastated. The young star had tears in his eyes as he tried to explain the heartbreak of losing in front of his home crowd. Ronaldo’s raw emotion was a powerful reminder of how much football meant to him.
2. Luis Suárez – 2014 World Cup (Uruguay vs Costa Rica)
After Uruguay’s shock loss to Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup, Luis Suárez delivered an emotional interview where he openly cried. This was after his infamous biting incident earlier in the tournament, and the weight of the loss, combined with his previous controversy, made this one of the most emotional moments in World Cup history.
3. David Beckham – 1998 World Cup (England vs Argentina)
Following England’s heartbreaking penalty loss to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham, who had been sent off during the match, fought back tears during his post-match interview. The media heavily criticized Beckham, and he was visibly affected by the public’s treatment of him. His emotional reaction was a poignant moment that showed the immense pressure international players face.
4. Zinedine Zidane – 2006 World Cup Final (France vs Italy)
After France lost the 2006 World Cup final on penalties, Zinedine Zidane, who had been sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the final moments of the match, was deeply emotional in his post-match interview. Zidane, who was playing in his last professional match, had led his team to the final and was crushed by the way it ended. His emotional farewell was one of the most heart-wrenching moments in football history.
5. Roberto Baggio – 1994 World Cup Final (Italy vs Brazil)
After missing the decisive penalty in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, Roberto Baggio’s emotional post-match interview is one of the most memorable. His tears were a mix of personal disappointment and the pain of letting his country down. Despite being Italy’s star player throughout the tournament, the defeat weighed heavily on Baggio, and his emotions were raw and real.
6. Steven Gerrard – 2014 (Liverpool vs Chelsea)
After the infamous “slip” against Chelsea that virtually ended Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League in 2014, Steven Gerrard gave an emotional interview that showed the true pain of missing out on the title. His body language and the words he chose reflected his heartbreak at seeing his dream of winning the league with his boyhood club slip away.
7. Andrés Iniesta – 2010 World Cup Final (Spain vs Netherlands)
After scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, Andrés Iniesta gave an emotional interview on the pitch, dedicating his goal to the late Dani Jarque, a Spanish footballer who had tragically passed away. Iniesta’s emotion was palpable, and the moment was one of celebration mixed with a deep sense of respect for his late friend.
8. Kevin De Bruyne – 2023 Champions League Final (Manchester City vs Inter Milan)
After winning Manchester City’s first-ever Champions League title in 2023, Kevin De Bruyne broke down in tears during his interview. Despite being forced off with an injury during the final, De Bruyne was overwhelmed by the victory, as it marked the culmination of years of hard work and near-misses for City. His tears reflected both relief and joy.
9. Gary Neville – 2013 (Manchester United’s Premier League Title Win)
In an emotional interview after Manchester United’s 20th Premier League title, Gary Neville could barely hold back tears as he reflected on the significance of the achievement. The win was particularly poignant for Neville, who had been a part of United’s glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson. It was an emotional farewell to the end of an era.
10. Jack Wilshere – 2012 (Arsenal’s 5-2 win over Tottenham)
After Arsenal’s dramatic 5-2 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Jack Wilshere gave an emotional interview where he expressed his pride and passion for his boyhood club. The win, which was filled with emotion due to the rivalry, had a deep personal meaning for Wilshere, who had grown up as an Arsenal fan and player.
These interviews show the raw human emotion behind football’s grandeur, reminding fans that the sport is about more than just victories and defeats—it’s about the passion, the pain, and the dreams of those who dedicate their lives to it.