Euro 2024 has been an emotional rollercoaster for football fans around the world. For me, as a long-time Cristiano Ronaldo enthusiast who has always believed he surpassed Lionel Messi in greatness, this tournament has been particularly poignant. Watching Ronaldo, a player I’ve idolized for years, confront the inevitability of age has been a bittersweet experience.
As Portugal’s opening game against the Czech Republic approached, the atmosphere around Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena was electric. Fans in Ronaldo’s Al Nassr jerseys, chants of “Siuuuu” echoing in the air, and a sea of Ronaldo shirts painted a vivid picture of unwavering adulation. Despite nearing 40, Ronaldo’s influence on his fans remains undiminished. However, his influence on the pitch tells a different story.
Portugal, under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, entered Euro 2024 as one of the favorites, boasting a squad brimming with talent. Yet, the focus of the fans, the media, and even the team seemed perpetually anchored to Ronaldo. His every move, from warm-ups to his fleeting touches on the ball, was scrutinized and celebrated with fervor. This obsessive attention underscores a stark reality: Ronaldo, despite his age, is still the beating heart of Portugal’s national team, but is it at the cost of the team’s evolution?
Watching the Czech game, I couldn’t help but notice how Ronaldo’s role had subtly shifted. Gone were the days of his explosive runs and breathtaking dribbles. Instead, he played a more subdued role, often drifting deep, perhaps out of boredom or a desire to influence play from a different position. His link-up play was still sharp, as evidenced by a beautiful flick setting Vitinha in on goal. Yet, the statistics were telling: Ronaldo had the fewest touches of any Portuguese player but the most shots. His presence was more symbolic than impactful.
The match against Turkey further highlighted this dichotomy. Ronaldo was visibly frustrated, chastising teammates for missed opportunities and showing signs of impatience that were once rare. Yet, there were moments of uncharacteristic unselfishness, like when he squared the ball for Bruno Fernandes to score instead of going for goal himself. This gesture was a poignant reminder of Ronaldo’s awareness of his own limitations and the changing dynamics within the team.
Despite his age, Ronaldo’s physical condition remains impressive. His dedication to fitness, nutrition, and recovery is legendary, allowing him to compete at a high level. His friend and Al Nassr’s nutritionist, Jose Blesa, emphasized that Ronaldo’s regimen hasn’t changed much, focusing on recovery and maintaining peak physical condition.
However, the reality is that even Ronaldo’s extraordinary commitment can’t completely fend off the effects of aging.
His goal-scoring record remains formidable, with 12 goals in 14 games since the World Cup, but most of these have come against weaker opposition. At Euro 2024, he has yet to find the net. His performance against Georgia was particularly disappointing, marked by frustration and a noticeable drop in effectiveness. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Ronaldo’s days of dominating the pitch single-handedly are behind him.
As Portugal prepared for their knockout match against Slovenia, the tension was palpable. Ronaldo had endured a frustrating tournament, still chasing his first goal. When given the chance to break Slovenia’s resistance with a penalty, he missed. The anguish and frustration that had been building up inside him erupted. Ronaldo, the indomitable force, was in tears, not for a lost match but for the realization that his powers were waning. It was a heart-wrenching sight, a stark reminder that even legends are human.
His teammates rallied around him, trying to lift his spirits. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Joao Palhinha, and Ruben Dias all tried to remind him of who he was. Coach Roberto Martinez made the surprising decision to keep him on the pitch. Ronaldo looked defeated, barely touching the ball as Slovenia pressed for a win. When the game went to penalties, the fear of another miss loomed large. But Ronaldo, showing immense courage, scored. There was no trademark celebration, only a humble apology to the fans.
Portugal’s victory was secured thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved all three of Slovenia’s kicks. Ronaldo’s relief was palpable as he embraced and thanked Costa. Speaking to Portuguese TV, he acknowledged the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced, from initial sadness to ultimate joy. Despite his successful penalty record throughout the season, Ronaldo knows that his overall performance at Euro 2024 has been underwhelming.
Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that Ronaldo’s prime is a distant memory. His acceleration, speed, and power are no longer what they once were.
Watching him struggle to reach crosses or miss opportunities that he would have buried in his prime is a poignant reminder of time’s relentless march. His performance in recent tournaments suggests that it might be time for a more supportive role rather than being the focal point of the team.
Hearing Ronaldo describe Euro 2024 as his last European Championship was bittersweet. His legacy is secure, his place among the game’s immortals cemented, but his reaction to the missed penalty showed that he still feels the pressure to prove himself. Coach Martinez praised his example, but now faces the tough decision of how to utilize Ronaldo moving forward.
As a fan, it’s difficult to reconcile the Ronaldo of today with the unstoppable force he once was. The pitch invaders, the viral selfies, and the relentless media attention all point to a man whose legend has outgrown his current capabilities. Watching Ronaldo now is like witnessing a fading star – still bright, still magnificent, but undeniably dimming.
Joao Cancelo’s recent comments underscore this reality. He acknowledged that while Ronaldo remains an important player, the national team no longer depends entirely on him. Cancelo’s remarks highlight a shift that many Ronaldo fans, myself included, find hard to accept. Ronaldo’s peak years, marked by his intense rivalry with Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or, are behind him. His current contributions, though significant, do not match the impact he once had.
As Portugal’s journey in Euro 2024 continued, it became increasingly evident that the team’s success did not solely rest on Ronaldo’s shoulders. Younger talents like Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, and Joao Felix began to shine, showcasing their ability to lead the team. This evolution is a natural progression, yet it feels like the end of an era for those of us who have watched Ronaldo dominate the sport for over a decade.
Despite these changes, Ronaldo’s influence off the pitch remains immense. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition and his passion for the game continue to inspire both teammates and fans. However, his on-field performance no longer matches the expectations that his legendary status commands. This discrepancy was starkly evident during Portugal’s match against Georgia, where Ronaldo’s frustration was palpable. His inability to convert chances and his visible discontent were painful to witness as a devoted fan.
Watching Ronaldo struggle against Georgia brought back memories of his prime years when he was an unstoppable force.
I remember the countless times he single-handedly turned games around, his incredible goals, and his relentless drive. Those memories are precious, but they also make it harder to accept the current reality.
Ronaldo’s prime was a long time ago, and it’s a reality that fans like me must come to terms with.
As Portugal advanced to the knockout stages, the match against Slovenia loomed large. Ronaldo’s role in this crucial game was a topic of intense debate. Some suggested that he should come off the bench, allowing younger players to take the lead. Others, including myself, hoped to see glimpses of his former brilliance. The anticipation was bittersweet, knowing that each game could be one of his last in a major tournament.
The match against Slovenia was a nail-biter. Ronaldo played the full game, showing flashes of his old self but also moments of frustration and fatigue. His influence was felt more in his leadership and presence than in his direct contributions. Portugal fought valiantly, and the game went into extra time. As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable. Could Ronaldo pull off one more moment of magic?
When the game went to penalties, my heart was in my throat. Ronaldo had missed a crucial penalty minutes earlier, and the fear of another miss was overwhelming. But when he stepped up, he scored with conviction, showing the courage and determination that have defined his career. His reaction was subdued, a humble acknowledgment of the gravity of the moment.
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 journey, it’s clear that he is fighting a losing battle against time. His physical prowess, once unmatched, is now diminished. His role on the team has evolved, and while he remains an important player, he is no longer the central figure he once was. This realization is bittersweet for fans like me who have idolized him for years.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is untouchable. He is one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. Yet, as Euro 2024 unfolds, it’s clear that even legends must eventually bow to time. Ronaldo might be fighting a losing battle against age, but his impact on the game and his fans will endure long after he hangs up his boots. For now, we watch, we cheer, and we hold on to the memories of his greatness, even as we witness the twilight of his extraordinary career.
Ultimately, Ronaldo’s experience at Euro 2024 showcases his unwavering determination and love for the sport. His struggles and triumphs on the pitch reflect the universal human experience of confronting and accepting the passage of time. As fans, we are privileged to witness the final chapters of his storied career.