Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portuguese national team remains uncertain following their dramatic exit from Euro 2024. The 39-year-old football legend has not yet decided whether he will continue to represent his country, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his next move. Portugal was eliminated by France in a penalty shootout during the quarterfinals, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.
Portugal’s Euro 2024 Journey Ends in Heartbreak
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign came to a dramatic end in Hamburg, where they faced France in the quarterfinals. The match ended in a goalless draw after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Despite Ronaldo converting his penalty, Portugal lost 5-3, with Joao Felix missing a crucial spot-kick.
Ronaldo’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Ronaldo’s performance in Euro 2024 has been a topic of much discussion. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to score in the tournament, despite having 23 shots, the most of any player. This marks the first time in his illustrious career that he did not score in a major international tournament.
Emotional Moments on the Field
After the final whistle, Ronaldo was seen consoling his long-time teammate Pepe, who was in tears. The 41-year-old defender, like Ronaldo, is also facing questions about his future with the national team. Both players have been pillars of Portuguese football for years, and their potential retirements would mark the end of an era.
Coach Martínez’s Comments
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, addressed the media after the match, stating that it was too soon to make any decisions about Ronaldo’s future. He emphasized that no individual decisions had been made and that the focus was on the team’s collective effort and performance.
Ronaldo’s Statement
Following the match, Ronaldo took to Instagram to thank the fans for their support. He expressed his disappointment but also his pride in what the team had achieved. He hinted that his legacy would continue to be honored, whether or not he remains with the national team.
Looking Ahead
The next major international tournament is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ronaldo would be 41 years old. Whether he will don the Portuguese jersey again remains to be seen. For now, the football world waits with bated breath to see what one of the greatest players of all time will decide.
