The last image does not erase the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ofighted, Cristiano. Thanks for the goals and the memorable evenings with the national team sweater. Thank you for the ambition of wanting to win that raised our country. However, these words are not enough to thank Cristiano Ronaldo for the last 23 years. Or at least they're insufficient.

The Portuguese star made the decision to put an end to his international career, leaving through the small door, in conflict with the selectioner Jorge Jesus, but the negative episode does not erase the legacy that will last. The way you've said goodbye to our selection doesn't fit the contribution you've made over the past two decades, but the Portuguese will always keep the best moments of your career.

The tears of sadness at the end of the Euro2004, in a defeat that still costs to realize how it was possible, contrasted with the tears of happiness that flowed down his face in the final whistle of the 2016 decision in France. A game in which, remember, was even replaced in the first part, due to injury. 

The Hattrick in Sweden, which earned the qualification for the 2014 World Cup and a tremendous dose of heartburn to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or the three goals aimed at Spain four years later, in the Russian World Championship. 

Many memories prove the greatness of Cristiano Ronaldo. It was bet very early, by the hand of Scolari, who was not afraid to make him the star of the Portuguese team, even with other strong names in the selection, and spanned generations after generations. In 2016 he achieved the dream of being a European champion with Fernando Santos, with whom he would be incompatibilized in 2022, after the disappointment in Qatar. 

Roberto Martínez arrived and with the Spanish coach there was never any kind of problem, because the place of chronic holder was never questioned. Still, it is worth mentioning that it was with Martínez that Portugal wasted a generation of gold, both in 2024 and in 2026. Maybe Ronaldo had some bad luck. In 2004 and 2006, when playing alongside names like Figo, Rui Costa, Deco or Pauleta, he was still too young to make a difference. Then he went through years where it was notorious that Portugal was far from having a team capable of fighting for titles. It was precisely then that CR7 shone the most. Who doesn't remember the stunning exhibition signed against Holland in Euro2012?

Still, it was during the Martínez cycle that Portugal had at its disposal one of the most talented generations in its recent history. With João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes or João Cancelo, among others, there were arguments to go further in both the European and the World. But it lacked a selector capable of combining so much talent and turning it into a truly dominant team. 

Jorge Jesus seems to be the right coach to approach Portugal of the great world powers, following, for example, the model of Spain, where, even with Lamine Yamal taking the lead, never gives up the importance of the collective. 

JJ had even been responsible for the first title won by Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, when many were already talking about fiasco. However, as I wrote at the time, Al Nassr is not the national team. Jorge Jesus had to choose and abdicated Christian Ronaldo, perhaps without the right touch to hold the captain by his side. 

What happened in the last stage was ugly and stained the start of the new cycle of national selection. Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn't have left like that. But we also do not know what exactly combined with George Jesus. Missed a farewell game, which the FPF says still wants to organize. Anyway, and even if it does, it won't be the same. 

The most international player ever in Portugal deserved another goodbye. In the field and with the benches full to ovation him for everything he did. Your brand is unique. Portugal is Cristiano Ronaldo. And Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal. Thank you, Captain.