Cristiano Ronaldo Not in World Cup: A New Era for Portugal
For the first time in over twenty years, football fans are gearing up for a World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo. This change is hard to accept for many.
Ronaldo has been a constant presence every four years, bringing both hope and excitement to Portugal. Whether the team was seen as a favorite or an underdog, he was always there—whether as the fastest player on the field or as one of the oldest.
As the World Cup kicked off in the United States, conversations started about whether 41-year-old Ronaldo should still be leading the team. Some questioned if Portugal had relied on their star player for too long. By now, Portugal had a squad brimming with talent—including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao—who could potentially carry the team forward. This World Cup was viewed as the perfect time for Portugal to step into a new chapter, moving beyond Ronaldo.
But deciding when Ronaldo should retire has been a challenge for football pundits for years, and they’ve often missed the mark. Questions about his performance started when he reached his 30s and continued even after his move to Saudi Arabia. More often than not, he responded by scoring goals and smashing records.
Despite being 41, many fans still tuned in, hoping for another spectacular World Cup moment from him, while others believed that father time had finally caught up. Regardless, millions watched as Spain’s last-minute goal in Dallas ended Portugal’s journey in the tournament, likely signaling the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. This led to discussions about the one title that has always eluded him—the World Cup.
For over two decades, Ronaldo wore the Portugal jersey, yet that was diminished to just one missing medal. This hardly captures the essence of his journey. Before he debuted in 2003, Portugal had never won a major tournament. By the time he bid farewell to what is likely his last World Cup, Portugal had claimed the European Championship and the Nations League, changing the narrative from simply participating in tournaments to expecting to win. While Ronaldo didn’t claim the World Cup, he was pivotal in this transformation.
Throughout much of his career, Ronaldo was a player others relied on to change the game in critical moments. When situations turned challenging, teammates instinctively looked to him. But this World Cup felt different; Portugal had finally assembled enough skill in their squad to lessen Ronaldo’s burden. Yet, surprisingly, they found themselves depending on him once again.
The criticisms toward Ronaldo were not entirely unfounded. At his age, sprinting past defenders for 90 minutes is out of reach. Despite this, he still showed flashes of brilliance, scoring three goals during the tournament and proving his instinct for scoring remained strong. However, Portugal struggled to utilize him effectively, forcing him to drop back into midfield rather than being positioned to score.
Coach Roberto Martinez faced scrutiny for not maximizing the talent within his squad. Despite having one of the deepest rosters in Portuguese football history, the team often lacked coherence on the field. The World Cup exit echoed a past sentiment felt when Belgium’s golden generation failed to secure major trophies.
Portugal’s campaign ended after a gallant defensive effort against Spain, but a well-executed goal from Mikel Merino sealed their fate. As reality set in, many wondered if this was indeed the last World Cup for Ronaldo.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Ronaldo expressed his heartbreak, affirming that he did his best. Reflecting on his contributions, it’s clear that he brought immense value to Portugal, and his relentless quest for excellence has always defined him. Years ago, he articulated his drive: a desire to improve and never settle for less.
Although he never lifted a World Cup trophy, his legacy will live on. He is the teen from Madeira who became the face of Portuguese football, the captain who led his nation to its first major title, and the player that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
