Cristiano Ronaldo has represented his country in six European Championships and four World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals with 130 and is the most capped player for Portugal with 212 appearances.

With the 39-year-old striker having gone Euro 2024 without a goal, questions have been raised over his future in the national team. Despite his iconic status, his recent performances have sparked debate over whether it is time for Ronaldo to step aside and make way for younger talent.

Portuguese fans had high hopes and bet on him to win the Golden Boot, as he did for Al Nassr, but Euro 2024 told a different story, leaving many disappointed. Fans who still hope for Portugal’s success in the upcoming Olympics can use the Betrivers registration code to get a welcome bonus when placing their bets.

Euro 2024: a disappointing campaign

Given his legendary status, Ronaldo’s presence in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad was to be expected. However, the tournament did not go as planned for the veteran striker. He started all five of Portugal’s matches but failed to find the net, extending his goal drought in international competitions to nine games. His most notable miss came in the quarter-final against France, where he squandered a golden opportunity in extra time that could have changed the course of the match.

Portugal exited the tournament after a gruelling penalty shootout defeat to France. The team struggled to convert chances into goals throughout the competition, failing to score in their last three matches. Despite playing the second-most minutes for Portugal behind goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Ronaldo contributed little to the scoreboard, finishing with a single assist.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez decided to keep Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 120 minutes against France, leaving other talents such as Diogo Jota and Gonçalo Ramos on the bench, a point of contention. Despite his diminishing impact, Martinez’s reluctance to replace Ronaldo suggests he is banking more on his reputation than his current form.

The numbers game

Portugal’s attacking woes have been glaring, particularly in their last three matches. A 2-0 defeat to Georgia, followed by goalless draws against Slovenia and France, highlighted the team’s inefficiency in front of goal. Despite generating a respectable xG (expected goals) of 9.41 in their five matches, Portugal managed just five goals from open play. Ronaldo’s tally remains zero, a stark contrast to his prolific past.

Ronaldo’s choice over other capable attackers points to a deeper problem within the team’s dynamic. His fewer touches than goalkeeper Costa in the quarter-final against France underscores his diminishing influence on the pitch.

Furthermore, Portugal created more chances than France, as evidenced by their xG of 1.84 compared to France’s 1.14. However, they failed to capitalize on them, which only added to the frustration among fans and analysts.

Legacy and future prospects

Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese football history are undeniable. With 130 international caps and 212 caps, he holds the record for most goals and appearances for his country. His tally of 14 goals in the final of the European Championship is unmatched, confirming his status as one of the greatest players ever. However, these historic achievements may no longer justify his automatic inclusion in the starting XI.

Martinez’s loyalty to Ronaldo may stem from these remarkable records, but it also points to a reluctance to move on to the next generation. As Ronaldo missed crucial chances and younger, more talented players watched from the sidelines, the need for a strategic shift became clear.

Last words

As Portugal look ahead, the team must address the question of Ronaldo’s role. Reliance on a player approaching 40 years of age, despite his legendary status, is untenable for future success. Integrating younger attackers such as Jota, Ramos and Neto will be crucial in building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

Ronaldo’s legacy will always be revered, but the time has come for Portugal to embrace a new era. The transition may be challenging, given Ronaldo’s immense influence and popularity, but it is necessary to ensure the team’s competitiveness in upcoming tournaments.