Ronaldo retires with legacy tainted by staying too long
Ronaldo has retired from international football after staying past his peak.
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football for Portugal after a career damaged by overstaying. At the 2022 World Cup, Portugal immediately looked sharper when coach Fernando Santos dropped Ronaldo.
Gonçalo Ramos replaced him and scored a hat-trick. Ronaldo kept playing through Euro 2024 and this summer's World Cup, despite being slower and a tactical burden.
New coach Jorge Jesus refused to bring Ronaldo on in the second half during a match against Norway. Ronaldo claimed he had been promised minutes.
Ronaldo left the team camp in protest, earning a €255 fine and a 30-day ban. His legacy is tainted by this prolonged exit.
He became a burden instead of remaining a great.
- When Ronaldo was dropped at 2022 World Cup
- Ramos hat-trick
- 255 euros and 30 days for leaving camp
- Fine and ban
Why it mattersElite athletes face a difficult choice about when to retire. Ronaldo's struggle with that timing cost him in the end.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but Australian sports fans who follow international football now see one of history's greatest players exit the stage after a decade of managed decline.
