Cristiano Ronaldo's career is a testament to the power of longevity—a trait that has not only defined his legacy but also sparked debates about his role in modern football. But here's where it gets controversial: as Ronaldo approaches his final World Cup, is his continued presence on the pitch a help or a hindrance to Portugal's success? Let's dive in.
In 2009, Ronaldo arrived in Dublin as the world's most talked-about footballer, a status he has remarkably maintained even as he openly discusses retirement. Back then, he was making his Real Madrid debut at Shamrock Rovers' Tallaght Stadium. Fast forward to 2023, and he’s now aiming to secure Portugal’s qualification for his sixth—and final—World Cup, set for North America next summer. This journey, spanning over 16 years, highlights his unparalleled ability to stay at the top of his game.
And this is the part most people miss: while the on-field torch has been passed from Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to younger stars like Ousmane Dembele and Erling Haaland, Ronaldo’s off-field influence remains unmatched. At 38, his recent interview with Piers Morgan proved he’s still a headline magnet, a status few athletes maintain into their fourth decade. But Ronaldo isn’t alone in defying age—LeBron James, at 40, is playing alongside his son in the NBA, and Novak Djokovic, also 40, plans to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Yet, Ronaldo’s longevity feels uniquely central to his story.
Portuguese football journalist Miguel L. Pereira argues that Ronaldo’s career length has become a defining aspect of his legacy. "He’s always been concerned with how he’ll be remembered," Pereira notes. "From the mid-2010s, he realized he couldn’t win the emotional comparison with Messi, so he shifted focus to trophies, goals, and tangible achievements. That’s why he keeps going."
Already the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football and the Champions League, Ronaldo’s next milestone could be reaching 1,000 career goals—a target he’s called "the most important." His longevity is so remarkable that he’s played alongside three generations of teammates. In 2003, he debuted under Fernando Couto, a player born before The Beatles disbanded. Today, he captains a squad with players who weren’t even alive when he earned his first cap.
However, this longevity has required reinvention. Gone are the days of powering in from wide positions; Ronaldo now operates as an orthodox number nine, a role increasingly rare in modern football. This shift presents a tactical puzzle for manager Roberto Martinez and his teammates. As former Manchester United teammate John O’Shea, now Ireland’s assistant coach, noted, stopping Ronaldo today means clearing crosses and defending the box—a far cry from his earlier playing style.
Pereira observes, "He’s an anomaly in today’s game. He wouldn’t fit at clubs like PSG or Bayern Munich. Younger players accustomed to the rhythms of top clubs might feel limited by his style."
Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit on penalties against France felt like a natural endpoint for some, especially with Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota on the bench. Yet, Ronaldo has since scored 13 international goals, proving he’s far from finished. Ramos’ limited playing time at Paris St-Germain weakens his case to replace the legend, but the debate persists: is Ronaldo’s current role a strength or a weakness for Portugal?
As Pereira concludes, "There are two sides to every story." But one thing is clear: Ronaldo remains the central character in this narrative. With a sixth World Cup on the horizon, the question lingers—how long will this final chapter last?
What do you think? Is Ronaldo’s continued presence a boon for Portugal, or is it time for a new generation to take the lead? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
