Portuguese star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has hit personal lows at major tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros, marking a notable decline in his performances. At Euro 2024, Ronaldo averaged just 29,1 touches per game in five appearances, his lowest touch rate at any major tournament. To put this into perspective, his best performance came at the 2006 World Cup, where he averaged an impressive 66,2 touches per game. This stark contrast highlights a significant decline in his involvement in matches, raising questions about his impact on the pitch.
Furthermore, Ronaldo finished Euro 2024 without scoring a single goal, an unprecedented feat for a player of his caliber. It is a disappointing personal best for the 39-year-old, who was one of the sport's all-time greats. Throughout the tournament, even though he didn't find the back of the net, he managed to provide an assist, showing that he can still contribute to some extent, just not to the level of his glory years.
Portugal's exit from the tournament came in the quarter-finals, where they faced France in a high-pressure penalty shootout after a hard-fought match. The loss was particularly painful for a team full of talent and ambition to go further. The defeat not only eliminated Ronaldo and his teammates from the competition, but also highlighted the challenges of relying on a legendary player who may no longer be in his prime.
From a broader perspective, Ronaldo’s struggles at Euro 2024 have reignited discussions about the ongoing transitions within the Portuguese team. While he is undeniably an iconic football figure with an exemplary career, the changes in his performance metrics suggest that Portugal may need to rethink how they use him in the future. The combination of age and increasing competition from younger players may require a shift in strategy that prioritises the strengths of emerging talents such as Diogo Jota and João Félix.
The upcoming matches of the other teams in the round of 9 will also play a significant role in shaping the future dynamics of international football. France, after beating Portugal, will face Spain in the semi-finals, a match that promises excitement and skill. Their match on July XNUMX is highly anticipated as both teams have a wealth of talent and a historic rivalry.
As Ronaldo navigates this difficult chapter in his career, it will be interesting to see how he adapts his game and role within the national team. The pressure to perform remains high and Portugal will no doubt be looking for new strategies to rejuvenate their approach as they approach future competitions and qualifiers.
Ultimately, while Ronaldo’s legacy will forever be celebrated, the realities of competitive sport dictate that evolution is essential. His experience, leadership and moments of brilliance will always be valued, but the national team must also be prepared to forge a new identity that reflects the changing dynamics of its squad. Whether Ronaldo will find a way to fit into this evolving narrative remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on recovery, reflection and planning for the next challenges ahead.
