Portugal have recently been eliminated from the Euros 2024 tournament. With that marks the possible end of Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage or, at least, a shot at another European Championship. At the age of 39, I believe it's time for him to step aside and allow the younger generation to step in.
When the country exited the tournament, he wrote on X, "We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far." He added, "On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together."
He has scored 130 goals across 212 appearances for Portugal during his professional career. He said of this tournament, "It is without a doubt my last European Championship," to Portuguese outlet, O Jogo. He also said, "But I don't get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves, Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me. It's not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win."
Ronaldo had a dismal campaign. He failed to score a single goal from open play during the Championship and notably missed a penalty during the side's 1-0 victory against Slovenia in their opening knockout match.
While this could be Ronaldo's final Euros, the 39 year old could potentially continue to play until the next World Cup in 2026. While he failed to score at Euro 2024, he was the Saudi Pro League's top scorer this season and while questions have been raised over the standard of the league, Ronaldo continues to strive for glory.
Ronaldo was left in tears after he was denied from the penalty spot by goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, during their last 16 clash against Slovenia, missing out on a golden chance to take the lead in the match. It was a frustrating evening for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner who just couldn't get on the score sheet, with Ronaldo having burst out into tears during the break between full-time and extra-time.
When it came to the quater-final match against France, questions were raised about his selection. Neither Diogo Jota nor Goncalo Ramos even made it onto the pitch, despite the game going the full distance - Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, persisted with his labouring frontman for the entire 120 minutes. Bruno Fernandes was replaced with 15 minutes to go but not Ronaldo.
More alarming still, is that Portugal didn't score a single goal during any of their final three fixtures. A 2-0 defeat to Georgia (with a severely-weakened side, that still included Ronaldo), was followed up by goalless stalemates against Slovenia and then fatefully France. Martinez, the Portuguese following and press, were probably afraid of what a Ronaldo backlash would do to the perceived stability of a side so often saved by their famed no. 7.
According to OptaJoe, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score with any of 23 shots at Euro 2024, the most attempts by a player without finding the net at a major tournament (World Cup or Euros) since the 2010 World Cup, when Lionel Messi had 29 shots without scoring for Argentina.
Ronaldo's selection was not made on merit, it was dictated by the rigours of reputation. Martinez was scared to leave him out. Ronaldo's unwavering self-belief in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary permeated all within the Portugal camp - there was little argument to be made. Certainly not one deemed valid enough to stand the great man down.
So, Jota, Ramos and co. watched on as Ronaldo enjoyed six fewer touches of the ball than goalkeeper Costa and less than any other Portuguese player. They agonised as Portugal created, backed up by superior xG data (1.84 to France's 1.14), the more presentable chances of the two sides without finding the net. Finally, they despaired as France's Theo Hernandez struck the decisive penalty.
Neither Jota, Ramos nor any other forward-minded substitute - reserve some sympathy for Pedro Neto, too - was afforded the chance to impact the game. Thus the fascination, or rather frustration, with Ronaldo's ever-presence - he did convert his spot-kick during the shoot-out - only grows. Of the two shots he attempted in open play, only one hit the target, albeit, in the spirit of balance, he was charitable enough to allow Fernandes the chance to strike one of his prized free kicks.
Still, it remains a symptom of a wider stubbornness on both his and Portugal's behalf that neither he nor his country can move on from his glory days.
From my vantage point, if anything has been proven from this tournament, it's that time has moved on from Ronaldo. I mean no offence to any die hard Ronaldo fans reading this but he has to stop being selfish. As I said in the beginning, it's time for him to step aside.
Martinez needs to man up and start to exclude him from further national squad selections. In doing so, Ronaldo should then get an ephinany that his time on the international stage is up and it's time to move on. However, I am well aware that these two events won't occur. Ronaldo is just too selfish.
If there's anything I learnt from his disastrous second spell at Manchester United, it's that he will act like a child when he doesn't get what he wants. He will sulk and moan. He is 100% a prima donna. He will probably run to his buddy, Piers Morgan, again, to express his feelings. That was pathetic.
Acting like that and doing those actions, aren't ones that a role model should do.