Seven days after Uruguay’s elimination in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Federico Valverde published a message on his social networks in which he expressed his frustration with the result and assumed responsibility as one of the team’s leaders.
The Real Madrid midfielder acknowledged that it is still difficult for him to assimilate what happened and admitted that the new elimination in the first round revives the memory of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Several days have passed since the elimination and only now can I begin to process everything I experienced, although I know that there is a part of me that, possibly, will never be able to overcome another elimination in the first round, like the one I suffered in the World Cup in Qatar. That thorn is still stuck,” he wrote.
Valverde assured that he came to the tournament after intense physical and mental preparation with the aim of changing the recent history of Uruguay, although he acknowledged that the effort was not enough.
“I feel an enormous responsibility for my country. It is a pride that fills my soul. I did everything in my power: I prepared myself physically and emotionally and tried not to repeat what happened, working hard throughout the season. But, obviously, it was not enough.”
The footballer also directly assumed responsibility for the elimination.
“I accept the defeat. I fully assume responsibility for not having been able to fulfill my duty towards the team and towards you.”
One of the fragments that generated the most impact was when he wrote: “I accept the failure and I know that I was not up to the task. But under no circumstances will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life.”
The message concludes with a promise to the Uruguayan fans and a commitment to continue representing the Celeste.
“I don’t know how or when, but I swear on my life that I’m not going to leave this team without leaving it at the top.”
The publication quickly surpassed thousands of reactions on Instagram and received messages of support from fans, teammates and footballers from other teams, including Jude Bellingham, Valverde’s teammate at Real Madrid.