How Portugal’s Euro Exit Will Likely Herald Ronaldo’s Int’l Retirement

Published

2 years ago

July 6, 2024

thecloudngr

How Portugal’s Euro Exit Will Likely Herald Ronaldo’s Int’l Retirement—-Portugal’s exit from the European Championship on Friday may signal the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious international career.

Despite the absence of an official statement from the 39-year-old football icon, his performance at Euro 2024 showed signs of his declining influence on the field.

Ronaldo failed to score in regular play during the tournament, only finding the net during shootouts. Portugal’s journey ended in a dramatic quarter-final against France, where they were defeated 3-5 on penalties following a goalless draw. Ronaldo missed a crucial chance in extra time but successfully converted his penalty in the shootout.

Coach Roberto Martinez was hesitant to comment on Ronaldo’s future with the national team, stating, “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”

Ronaldo’s place in football history will always be debated, often compared to legends like Pele, Diego Maradona, and his long-time rival Lionel Messi. Although Ronaldo has never won a World Cup, his statistical achievements in international football are unparalleled. He has amassed 212 caps and scored 130 goals for Portugal, far surpassing Messi’s 108 international goals.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo’s presence in the Portugal squad has been justified by his performances. Martinez had remarked earlier in the tournament, “Cristiano is in the national team of Portugal because he deserves to be.”

Ronaldo’s journey with the national team began in 2003 when he made his debut as an 18-year-old. Over the years, he became a regular fixture, playing in six European Championships—a record—and scoring 14 goals in 30 matches. His crowning achievement came in 2016 when Portugal won the Euros, although he was injured early in the final match against France.

Including his goals in Euro qualifying, Ronaldo has scored 55 times in the competition, with England’s Harry Kane trailing behind with 29. At the World Cup, Ronaldo has played 22 matches and scored eight goals across five tournaments. Since his debut, Portugal has consistently qualified for the World Cup, with their best performance being a semi-final finish in 2006.

Ronaldo’s career is decorated with five Ballon d’Or awards, highlighting his impact on the sport. While his international career may be winding down, he continues to excel at the club level. Last season, he was the top scorer in the Saudi league with 35 goals for Al Nassr, with another year left on his contract.

As the curtain potentially falls on Ronaldo’s international career, his contributions to football will be remembered for generations to come.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Related Topics:Portugal’s Euro Ronaldo’s Int’l Retirement

Up Next

Canada Advance To Copa America Semis After Defeating Venezuela On Penalties

Don't Miss

#ESPGER: Watch Free Livestream Match Between Spain Vs Germany Here

Click to comment

Sports

BREAKING: PSG Set Up Arsenal Champions League Final After 6-5 Aggregate Win Over Bayern Munich

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: PSG Set Up Arsenal Champions League Final After 6-5 Aggregate Win Over Bayern Munich—-Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain have secured their place in yet another UEFA Champions League final after overcoming Bayern Munich in a fiercely contested semi-final clash.

Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in the 2026 UEFA Champions League final after edging Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final clash.

The decisive moment came early in the second leg, when Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé fired home from close range after being picked out by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, giving PSG a crucial lead that ultimately proved to be the winner.

Despite the fast start, the game soon became defined as much by controversy as by clear-cut chances. Bayern were left frustrated after Nuno Mendes appeared to handle the ball while already on a booking, but the referee opted against issuing a second yellow card.

Further anger followed when another potential handball incident involving João Neves went unpunished, with officials ruling that the ball had deflected off a teammate in the build-up—therefore not meeting the criteria for a penalty.

Bayern, managed by Vincent Kompany, dominated large periods of the match and created several opportunities. Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala both came close, while goalkeeper Matvéi Safonov was called into action multiple times.

The German side eventually found the net through Harry Kane in stoppage time, but it proved too little, too late as PSG held on to secure their place in the final.

The result extends Bayern’s wait for another European title to six years, while PSG now have the opportunity to win back-to-back Champions League trophies, just a year after claiming their first.

Attention now turns to the final on May 30, where PSG will face Arsenal. The showdown promises high stakes, with either a historic first Champions League title for Arsenal or consecutive triumphs for the French giants on the line.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Sports

BREAKING: Saka Fires Arsenal Into First Champions League Final in 20 Years

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: Saka Fires Arsenal Into First Champions League Final in 20 Years—-TCN reports that Arsenal have qualified for the 2026 UEFA Champions League final after a narrow victory over Atlético Madrid, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal.

Saka’s strike proved to be the difference as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win in the second leg, progressing 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in Spain.

The result sees the North London club reach the Champions League final for the first time in two decades, marking a significant milestone in their European journey.

Arsenal will now face either defending champions Paris Saint-Germain or German giants Bayern Munich in the final scheduled for May 30.

This will be only the second Champions League final appearance in Arsenal’s history. Their first came in 2006, when they were narrowly defeated by FC Barcelona.

The Gunners will now be aiming to go one step further and claim their first-ever Champions League title.

Developing story…

thecloudngr