Portugal did the extraordinary with Cristiano Ronaldo. Can they do it without him?
After 234 appearances and 146 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his 23-year international career with Portugal, leaving the national team to play their first game without him against Denmark.
For Portugal, this marks the end of an era. Ronaldo has been more than the country's greatest footballer; he has been its defining sporting figure and a symbol of national pride for 23 years. His departure leaves a void that extends far beyond the pitch, as the national team loses one of the world's biggest brands.
The economic impact is substantial. Daniel Sá, executive director of the Portuguese institute of marketing administration, estimates Ronaldo's brand alone is worth €850m. "People identify with his story: a young boy who travelled to Lisbon alone, lost his father and achieved success through his own hard work," Sá says. "Portugal has a long history of great players but no one has ever enjoyed this kind of global exposure."
Talent must step up
Portugal possesses considerable talent in players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Nuno Mendes and Diogo Costa. However, former teammate Petit believes this new generation must take responsibility. "Ronaldo could single-handedly solve a difficult game," Petit explains. "But now we have great players from top clubs, they need to stand up. For some of them, this could be their last chance [for international success]."
He sacrificed a great deal for the national team. He played injured, he played when he wasn't fully fit, but he was always there. He always gave his best.
A unique legacy
Ronaldo's departure means more than finding a replacement for his goals or the No 7 shirt. He has been part of what it has meant to support Portugal. Fans grew up watching him, celebrating with him, and believing their national team could achieve something extraordinary with him leading the way.
His journey resonated deeply with millions worldwide. From a modest upbringing with a father battling alcoholism, he reached football's pinnacle. "He had a very particular ability to turn frustration into a desire to improve," says Maniche, who shared the dressing room with Ronaldo during Portugal's Euro 2004 defeat. "That characteristic has stayed with him throughout his career."
The road ahead
Portugal had talent before Ronaldo but major honours remained elusive until Euro 2016, when he led them to victory despite being injured. Now, at 41, his club career with Al-Nassr continues, driven by a competitive mentality. "It is about the challenge of continuing to prove to yourself that you are good enough," Maniche says.
Leonel Pontes, who helped shape Ronaldo's early career, believes the country missed an opportunity to properly honor his contributions. "There were mistakes on both sides [by the player and the coach] but the country missed an opportunity to pay tribute to everything he has given us," Pontes reflects. As Portugal faces Denmark in their first post-Ronaldo match, the question remains: can they replicate the extraordinary success achieved with their iconic leader?
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