Cristiano Ronaldo: A Great Career Overshadowed by a Lengthy Farewell
There’s no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo’s international journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, one can’t help but wonder how much greater it could have been if he hadn’t overstayed his welcome on the field.
For elite athletes, choosing the right moment to step away is a monumental challenge. It’s a tough call for anyone in any profession, balancing the hope of more contributions against the instinct to leave while still relevant. Athletes, however, face an even tougher battle, as an inflated sense of self-belief is vital to their success. How does one who has conquered so much come to terms with the end of their journey?
The announcement of Ronaldo’s retirement from international football brings a wave of melancholy. We’ll miss witnessing his signature moves, the electrifying runs, and those trademark headers. Yet, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of sadness over how poorly he managed his final act. For several tournaments, it seemed like Ronaldo was holding back the Portuguese team.
Take the 2022 World Cup, for example. Manager Fernando Santos finally made the bold decision to bench Ronaldo for the last-16 match against Switzerland. Suddenly, Portugal played with a flair and freedom that had been missing for years, with Gonçalo Ramos stepping in and scoring a hat-trick. This was clear evidence that Ronaldo’s time as a game-changer was fading, and perhaps he was destined for a new role as a substitute.
Even in those waning moments, the crowd was chanting Ronaldo’s name. Half of them were likely tourists, eager to see the iconic figure in action, regardless of the match outcome. When he did score a disallowed goal and celebrated with his classic “Siuuuu,” the cheers echoed through the stadium. It was reminiscent of late Elvis performances in Las Vegas; while the magic had faded, the allure remained. But unlike Elvis, Ronaldo carried the heavy burden of Portugal’s World Cup dreams on his shoulders.
When a player becomes a global icon, the decision to retire can feel even more daunting. Ronaldo’s immense celebrity status turned him into a political figure for Portugal, with officials hesitant to drop him due to the revenue and attention he generated. In a nation not overflowing with international stars, his presence was invaluable.
Even at Euro 2024, tears flowed from him after a missed penalty against Slovenia, his fame creating a narrative that often overshadowed the many talented players on the squad. This summer’s World Cup showcased the same troubling dynamic, as Ronaldo was still demanding the ball, sometimes getting in the way of younger teammates like Rafael Leão. Against Spain, in what would be his final World Cup match, he was released for a breakaway but had to turn back, unable to keep up. It was heart-wrenching to watch a once-dominant force reduced to such limitations.
There was a clear need for change. This generation of Portuguese footballers is too talented to be weighed down by the legacy of one man. Jorge Jesus, the outspoken new national coach, eventually made the brave choice not to bring Ronaldo off the bench during a tight game against Norway, which Portugal won. Ronaldo, feeling slighted by the lack of playing time he believed he was promised, left the camp in a huff, revealing how much his self-image had begun to warp his perspective.
Assuming this retirement isn’t a ploy to regain influence, Ronaldo’s international chapter appears to have closed with a €255 fine and a brief ban during a period without matches. He will now return to the Saudi Pro League, continuing his pursuit of that elusive 1,000th goal.
Ronaldo has undoubtedly been one of the greatest players in history, often compared to the legendary Eusébio in discussions about Portugal’s finest. However, his legacy feels somewhat tarnished by this drawn-out farewell. A player who once had the ability to change games on his own became a burden in the end. His career has been extraordinary, but perhaps it would have been even more celebrated had it concluded a little sooner.
