Cristiano Ronaldo’s Future with Portugal Uncertain After Euro 2024 Exit

Historical Context: Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic footballers in history, has had a storied career with the Portuguese national team. His journey includes winning the European Championship in 2016 and becoming the highest goal scorer in international football. As students preparing for competitive exams, understanding the historical significance of Ronaldo’s career and his impact on international football is crucial.

Article: Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, has stated that it is “too soon” to determine whether Cristiano Ronaldo has played his final game for the national team following their exit from Euro 2024. Portugal was eliminated by France in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the quarterfinals held in Hamburg.

During the match, Ronaldo missed a crucial chance in extra time but successfully converted his penalty in the shootout. Martínez, addressing the media, emphasized that no individual decisions regarding Ronaldo’s future have been made yet.

Ronaldo’s appearance against France marked his 212th cap for Portugal, and he remains the top scorer in international football with 130 goals. Despite his illustrious career, the 39-year-old struggled to make an impact in the tournament, failing to score in regular play for the first time in a major international competition. His 10 shots without a goal tied the record for the most attempts without scoring in a single European Championship, a record previously set by Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne in 2016.

Ronaldo’s 20-year tenure in the Euros includes a memorable victory in 2016 when Portugal defeated France in the final. As he approaches the age of 41, it remains uncertain whether he will continue to represent his country until the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo had previously indicated that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship.

Following Portugal’s round-of-16 win over Slovenia, Ronaldo expressed his emotions, stating that while this would be his last Euro, his passion for football and the support from fans and family continue to drive him.

After the quarterfinal loss, teammate Pepê was seen in tears, embracing Ronaldo. Pepê later shared that the team felt deep frustration and pain from the defeat, acknowledging the high expectations and quality within the squad.

Ronaldo has now gone nine games without scoring for Portugal, missing a significant opportunity in extra time against France. His missed shot over the crossbar was far from the fairytale ending many had hoped for, potentially marking the conclusion of his record-breaking international career.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez says it’s too early to decide Ronaldo’s future with the national team after Euro 2024 exit.
• Portugal lost to France in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.
• Ronaldo missed a key chance in extra time but scored in the shootout.
• Ronaldo has 212 caps and 130 goals for Portugal, the most in international football.
• He failed to score in regular play during Euro 2024, a first in his career for a major tournament.
• Ronaldo’s 10 shots without a goal tied a record for the most attempts without scoring in a single Euros.
• Ronaldo’s career highlights include winning the Euro 2016.
• He previously stated that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship.
• Teammate Pepê expressed the team’s deep frustration and pain after the loss.
• Ronaldo has gone nine games without a goal for Portugal, missing a crucial chance in extra time against France.