Ronaldo’s Resilience and the Future of Portugal’s National Team

The final whistle at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on December 10, 2022, triggered an emotional response from Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, as tears streamed down his face. Overwhelmed by disappointment following the Seleccao’s shocking quarter-final exit against Morocco, Ronaldo could not bear to acknowledge the fans. The pain of the loss lingered, preventing him from addressing his team’s failure until the next day via a social media post.

In his Instagram message, Ronaldo expressed, “Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Through five World Cups over 16 years, I have always given my all, leaving everything on the pitch. I will never shy away from a battle, nor have I ever relinquished that dream. Unfortunately, that dream ended yesterday.” He reflected on the bitter end to a campaign he had hoped would silence critics after a tumultuous period at Manchester United.

Ronaldo arrived in Qatar with high expectations, aiming not only to silence his detractors but to secure the only trophy that had eluded him. However, his departure mirrored his contentious exit from Old Trafford, marred by public displays of frustration and reports of discord within the Portuguese camp following his demotion in favor of Goncalo Ramos, who excelled in a resounding victory over Switzerland.

In his social media post, Ronaldo stated, “I want everyone to know that my dedication to Portugal has never wavered. I have always fought for our objectives and never turned my back on my teammates and my country.” He concluded, “For now, there’s not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now, we must allow time to guide our reflections.”

The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) deemed it the right moment to initiate a new chapter with a new coach, Roberto Martinez, despite questions surrounding his credentials after failing to win major honors with Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation.’ Nainggolan, a former Red Devils midfielder, criticized Martinez’s coaching style, asserting that a successful coach must impart a clear strategy, something he felt was lacking under Martinez.

Martinez’s approach with Portugal has been simplistic, primarily focusing on delivering the ball to Ronaldo. Following the disappointing tactics of former coach Fernando Santos and the disastrous World Cup campaign, Martinez had a prime opportunity to reshape the team around a wealth of emerging talent but failed to do so. Instead, he sought Ronaldo’s leadership for Euro 2024, a decision that proved problematic.

While Ronaldo scored regularly during qualifying, he struggled during the tournament, culminating in a penalty miss against Slovenia. In a striking moment during extra time in Frankfurt, Ronaldo, once a beacon of strength, visibly succumbed to the pressure, showcasing a rare vulnerability as the weight of expectations became unbearable.

Despite the struggles, Ronaldo demonstrated commendable courage by stepping up for the first penalty in the shootout, a choice that drew admiration even amidst a disheartening performance. Martinez, often a master of misdirection, chose to emphasize Ronaldo’s bravery instead of addressing the team’s collective failures.

As Portugal faced France in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo’s ineffective performance led to national discourse about the wisdom of Martinez’s continued reliance on him. The team’s success in the 2024-25 Nations League did not quell rumors of potential changes within the coaching staff, with speculation surrounding a possible return for Jose Mourinho.

Ronaldo expressed frustration over the ongoing debate surrounding Martinez’s capability. He defended the coach’s record, praising his passion and the positive outcomes achieved during their tenure together. Even as questions about Martinez’s effectiveness lingered, Ronaldo emerged as a crucial player, scoring decisive goals in the Nations League, ultimately securing the trophy for Portugal.

Despite ongoing doubts regarding whether Martinez could maximize the potential of his squad, Ronaldo’s stellar scoring record, including 13 goals in 13 appearances following Euro 2024, solidified his position within the team. His performance underscored his status as a formidable player, capable of inspiring those around him through his sheer will and tenacity.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia proved astute, allowing him to preserve his physical condition while continuing to chase milestones in his career. With 109 goals in 122 matches for Al-Nassr, he is positioned well for the upcoming World Cup in North America.

As Portugal’s prospects hinge on Ronaldo’s performance, the absence of a backup plan raises concerns about the team’s reliance on the veteran forward. Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greats remains unchallenged, and his journey toward a sixth World Cup reflects his unwavering ambition and resilience. Despite the risks involved, Ronaldo’s determination to succeed offers a compelling narrative as he approaches what could be his final chance for World Cup glory, a pursuit he has earned through relentless effort and an indomitable spirit.