João Félix: "If I have another penalty to take, I will step up"

João Félix spoke ahead of Friday morning's Round of 16 clash against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup. During the press conference, he was asked by A BOLA to reflect on Euro 2024, where Portugal was eliminated by France.

— In the last knockout game at the Euros, João, you were remembered for hitting the post against France in the penalty shootout at Euro 2024. Are you confident if you have to step up again? Do moments like that leave a lasting trauma? Are you ready for penalties if you need to take one?

— Since I was a child, starting to play and go to tournaments at 8, 9, 10 years old, my father always told me to take responsibility, whether in the game or in penalties. I even have a story in Spain where I took the first one, and then no one else wanted to, and I tried to take the second — of course, I couldn't. That moment [against France] was difficult, but facing adversity is part of a career. I see it not as a failure, but as a learning experience. If I have another penalty to take, I will step up.