At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still listed in the starting XI for Portugal, but the admiration that once surrounded his every touch is fading. In the recent draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the veteran touched the ball only 25 times, the lowest count among any outfield player who completed the full match for Portugal.
A Legend at a Crossroads
The performance has reignited a debate that has been simmering for months: whether the legend’s presence on the pitch is still adding value or merely preserving a narrative of invincibility. Ngal’ayel Mukau, a midfielder from the DRC, acknowledged that Ronaldo is no longer the same player he once was, yet he still commands respect from opponents who recognize the history he carries.
Portugal’s midfield boasts a wealth of talent, with Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves offering dynamism that contrasts sharply with Ronaldo’s reduced mobility. Their combined energy suggests a team that can compete at the highest level without relying on the veteran’s diminishing physical contributions.
Head Coach Roberto Martínez’s decision to keep Ronaldo on for the entire 90 minutes has been described as puzzling by analysts. The move not only leaves the team without a defensive shift from the forward but also raises questions about the tactical flexibility of a side that once seemed to thrive on collective balance.
Beyond the tactical board, Ronaldo’s commercial impact remains undeniable. Sponsors and broadcasters continue to spotlight his name, and the Portuguese Football Federation benefits from the global attention he attracts, even as his on‑field influence wanes.
The narrative of Ronaldo’s untouchable status was first challenged during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Fernando Santos omitted him from the starting lineup. That moment marked a subtle shift in the team’s hierarchy, a shift that has since gathered momentum as younger stars assert themselves.
While some hope that the veteran can still inspire from the sidelines, the realistic assessment is that Ronaldo cannot reverse the decline that has become evident. The forthcoming matches may therefore serve less as a platform for heroics and more as a dignified farewell for a player who has defined an era.