Portugal’s elimination from Euro 2024 following a penalty shootout loss to France has reignited discussions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the national team. The 39-year-old superstar’s performance throughout the tournament has raised questions about his continued role in a squad brimming with younger talent.
The quarter-final match, which ended 0-0 after extra time before France’s 5-3 victory on penalties, epitomized Portugal’s frustrating campaign. Ronaldo, who failed to score from open play during the tournament, struggled to make his usual impact, lacking the speed and agility that once defined his game.
Portugal’s squad boasts a wealth of talent in their prime, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Vitinha. However, the team’s strategy often seemed to revolve around accommodating Ronaldo, potentially at the cost of fully utilizing these emerging stars.
This situation echoes the 2022 World Cup, where then-manager Fernando Santos benched Ronaldo in the latter stages. Following their shock quarter-final exit to Morocco, Portugal parted ways with Santos but chose to retain Ronaldo.
New coach Roberto Martinez’s decision to build the team around Ronaldo for Euro 2024, rather than focusing on the rising stars, has come under scrutiny. The strategy appeared to hinder Portugal’s tempo and fluidity, with teammates often deferring to Ronaldo even when better options were available.
Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 performance will likely be remembered for his visible frustration and struggle against the inevitable march of time, rather than for adding to his impressive legacy. His failure to become the oldest scorer in European Championship history further underlines the challenges he now faces at the highest level.
As Portugal looks to the future, the national team faces a crucial decision. With a golden generation of talent entering their prime years, the question of how to balance respect for Ronaldo’s legendary status with the need to evolve and build for the future becomes increasingly pressing.
This tournament may mark a turning point for Portuguese football, forcing a reevaluation of team dynamics and strategy. As the dust settles on their Euro 2024 campaign, the Portuguese Football Federation must consider whether it’s time to fully embrace the next generation of stars or continue to accommodate their aging icon.
Credit: Reuters
