A bitter end for Ronaldo – the icon who transformed Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football aged 41, ending a 23-year Portugal career with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His departure followed a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over leaving the training camp without permission, and the resulting benching; although the coach said a return remained possible, Ronaldo’s exit has left a sour note alongside national gratitude for his achievements.

The article traces how Ronaldo grew from an immature young player into Portugal’s defining football figure, while repeatedly clashing with managers over his status. He joined the squad before Euro 2004, where Portugal lost the final to Greece, and later became captain after Luís Figo left the team. Sociologist João Nuno Coelho says the national side came to represent Portuguese identity and the desire for international recognition, helping explain Ronaldo’s importance beyond his records.