The weight of a nation, and perhaps a career, settled heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal’s quarter-final exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A 1-0 defeat to Morocco sparked an outpouring of emotion from the veteran forward, who publicly lamented that his long-held dream of lifting the World Cup trophy with Portugal had come to an end.
Ronaldo took to Instagram to express his devastation, writing, “Winning a World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Unfortunately, this dream ended yesterday.” The post, reported by 7news.com.au, revealed a profound sense of loss for a player who has consistently carried the hopes of a football-mad country for nearly two decades.
The tournament in Qatar was marked by a shift in Ronaldo’s role within the Portuguese squad. While he remains a national icon, coach Fernando Santos made the controversial decision to bench him for both the round of 16 match against Switzerland and the quarter-final against Morocco. This sparked speculation about a potential rift between player and coach, with some suggesting Ronaldo was being punished for his reaction to being substituted in the group stage match against South Korea.
Santos vehemently denied these claims, insisting that his decisions were based solely on tactical considerations and what he believed was best for the team. “It’s high time we stop with this conversation, stop the controversies,” Santos stated, as reported by the BBC. “It’s high time for you to leave Ronaldo alone, in acknowledgement for what he’s done for Portuguese football.”
Despite the benching, Ronaldo emphasized his unwavering commitment to the national team. “I gave everything on the pitch. I never said no to the fight and never gave up this dream,” he wrote. He further stressed that his dedication “hasn’t changed not even for a moment” and that he remained a dedicated teammate, always fighting for the collective goal.
The circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s diminished role in Qatar raised questions about his future with the national team. While he had previously indicated his intention to continue playing for Portugal at least through the European Championship, his emotional Instagram post led to speculation that he might be considering retirement from international football. However, he didn’t explicitly state his intentions, leaving his future uncertain.
The situation was further complicated by Ronaldo’s club status. Having left Manchester United prior to the World Cup following a contentious interview, he entered the tournament as a free agent. This added another layer of scrutiny to his performance and overall demeanor, as his future at the club level remained unresolved.
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s potential departure from the World Cup camp before the match against Switzerland, as reported by Portuguese publication Record, added fuel to the fire. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) swiftly denied the claims, but the incident highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny surrounding the star player.
Santos explained the conversation he had with Ronaldo regarding his exclusion from the starting lineup against Switzerland. “I spoke to him after lunch on the day of the game and invited him into my office,” Santos said. “For obvious reasons Cristiano was not very happy about it as he has always been the starting player. He told me: ‘Do you really think it’s a good idea?’ But we had a normal conversation in which I explained my viewpoints and of course he accepted them. We had a frank and normal conversation.”
Ronaldo himself attempted to downplay the impact of his pre-World Cup interview, according to an AP News report from , suggesting he was unfazed by the drama it created. However, the timing of the interview and its critical nature undoubtedly contributed to the narrative surrounding his performance and role within the team.
The exit from the World Cup marks a potentially pivotal moment in Ronaldo’s illustrious career. At 37 years old (as of ), he faces questions about his longevity at the highest level and his ability to continue contributing to both club and country. While his future remains uncertain, his impact on Portuguese football is undeniable, as acknowledged by coach Santos’s plea to “leave Ronaldo alone.”
The coming months will be crucial as Ronaldo navigates his club future and contemplates his international career. Whether he chooses to continue playing for Portugal remains to be seen, but his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is already secure. The disappointment of failing to lift the World Cup trophy, a dream he pursued with unwavering dedication, will undoubtedly linger, but his contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
