Cristiano Ronaldo started all five of Portugal’s matches at EURO 2024 but failed to score. Coach Roberto Martinez did not replace the 39-year-old in both knockout matches despite Portugal failing to score for 240 minutes.

It’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo to rest

When Portugal’s journey at EURO 2024 ended on penalties against France, only goalkeeper Diogo Costa had played more minutes than Cristiano Ronaldo. It felt like an abrupt end for one of the world’s greatest football stars, who shed many tears in Germany.
However, when the final whistle blew in the quarter-final between Portugal and France, the tears were not Ronaldo’s. Instead, CR7’s role was to comfort his teammate Pepe.

The “European Selecao” created 9.41 expected goals (xG) in 5 matches at EURO 2024 but only scored 3 goals. That number would be 5 if own goals were included. As for Ronaldo, this striker left the tournament with a round zero.

So why was the 39-year-old chosen to lead Portugal’s attack against France? Portugal still had plenty of quality strikers on the bench, with Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos both left out. Despite the stalemate, coach Roberto Martinez stuck with Ronaldo for the entire 120 minutes. Bruno Fernandes was substituted with 15 minutes left, but Ronaldo was not.

Ronaldo comforts Pepe after defeat to Portugal. Photo: UEFARonaldo consoles Pepe after defeat to France. Photo: UEFA

More alarmingly, Portugal have failed to score in their last three matches at EURO 2024. First, they lost 0-2 to Georgia, then they drew 0-0 in 120 minutes against Slovenia and France. Is it possible that Martinez is afraid that Ronaldo’s violent reaction if he is not allowed to play will affect the team’s morale?

Because, let’s face it, Ronaldo’s selection is not based on ability, but mostly on reputation. To put it bluntly, Martinez “didn’t dare” to eliminate CR7.

In the defeat to France, Ronaldo had six fewer touches than goalkeeper Costa and fewer than any other Portuguese player. The ‘European Selecao’ created 1.84 xG compared to their opponents’ 1.14 xG but the goals still did not come. And in the end, they were left desperate when Les Bleus’ Theo Hernandez converted the decisive penalty.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal at six EUROs and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130. He is also the player with the most caps for his country (212). Ronaldo’s total of 14 goals is also the most ever at a EURO finals. In comparison, the second-placed legend Michel Platini has only scored nine.

And perhaps, it is those records that are the reason why Martinez trusted CR7 until the last minute. But in response, Ronaldo at the age of 39 is no longer the superstar who can make a difference. Ronaldo is truly great but at this time, the fact that he is no longer suitable for Portugal is an undeniable fact.

Ronaldo should give way to Portugal’s youth. Photo: UEFARonaldo should give way to Portugal’s youth. Photo: UEFA

“I can’t imagine Ronaldo playing at the 2026 World Cup. Football is getting faster and more intense. The space for strikers is getting smaller and smaller. Unlike defenders, strikers find it difficult to play at the highest level when they get too old.

“One or two more titles would not mean much to Ronaldo. He has had a unique career,” former coach Sir Alex Ferguson said when asked about Ronaldo attending the 2026 World Cup.