Roberto Martínez, the coach of the Portugal national team, expressed uncertainty about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the team following their exit from Euro 2024. Despite Ronaldo’s achievements and status as a football legend, Martínez stated that it was too early to determine if the match against France would be Ronaldo’s last appearance in a Portugal jersey.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has set numerous records and achieved remarkable success with Portugal, including winning the European Championship in 2016. However, his performance in Euro 2024 was below his usual standards, as he failed to score a single goal during regular play and missed a crucial opportunity in extra time against France. This lack of contribution on the scoresheet raised questions about Ronaldo’s effectiveness in the team moving forward.
Following Portugal’s defeat, Ronaldo’s teammate Pepe was seen in tears, highlighting the emotional toll of the loss on the players. Ronaldo’s own emotional reaction to the match was not disclosed publicly, but it was evident that the disappointment of elimination from a major competition weighed heavily on the team. The bond between Ronaldo and his teammates was evident in moments of vulnerability and shared frustration.
Speculation on Ronaldo’s Retirement
As Ronaldo approaches the later stages of his career at 39 years old, there has been speculation about his retirement from international football. Despite announcing that Euro 2024 would be his final European Championship, Ronaldo’s future beyond that remains uncertain. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, there is speculation about whether Ronaldo will continue to represent Portugal on the world stage or if he will choose to step back and focus on other aspects of his career.
One of the most concerning aspects of Ronaldo’s performance in Euro 2024 was his goal drought, having gone nine games without scoring for Portugal. This lack of productivity in front of goal raises questions about Ronaldo’s ability to continue making meaningful contributions to the national team. The missed opportunity in extra time against France served as a symbolic moment that encapsulated Ronaldo’s struggles in the tournament.
The future of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portuguese national team remains uncertain following their exit from Euro 2024. While Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure, questions linger about his ability to continue performing at the highest level for his country. As Ronaldo contemplates his next move, fans and analysts alike await eagerly to see whether the football icon will continue to grace the international stage with his presence or if it is indeed the beginning of the end for a record-breaking career.