# Portugal's Ronaldo Era Ends

> Portugal's national team faces new challenges after Cristiano Ronaldo's final international game.
- Title: Portugal's Ronaldo Era Ends · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Portugal's national team faces new challenges after Cristiano Ronaldo's final international game.
- Keywords: portugal, cristiano ronaldo, nations league, football, portugal national team, cr7, euro 2004, euro 2016, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/14/portugal-cristiano-ronaldo-football-memories-future
- Published: 2026-11-14T06:53:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: portugal, cristiano ronaldo, nations league, football, portugal national team, cr7, euro 2004, euro 2016, sports
## Portugal's Ronaldo Era Ends
Portugal did the extraordinary with Cristiano Ronaldo. Can they do it without him?
## Ronaldo's 23-Year Impact
For 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo was Portugal's defining sporting figure, a symbol of national pride and constant presence in supporters' lives.
## Ronaldo's Brand Value
Daniel Sá, the executive director of the Portuguese institute of marketing administration, says Ronaldo's brand alone is worth €850m (£710m).
## Ronaldo's Global Recognition
People identify with Ronaldo's story: a young boy who travelled to Lisbon alone, lost his father and achieved success through hard work.
## Ronaldo's Legacy in China
Leonel Pontes, who coached Ronaldo in China, says his departure wasn't handled properly and the country missed an opportunity to pay tribute.
## New Squad Talent
Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, Nuno Mendes and Diogo Costa are prominent names in a squad packed with technical quality and tactical intelligence.
## Talent Responsibility
Petit says new players need to stand up for international success, as this could be their last chance.
## Ronaldo's Dedication
Ronaldo played injured and when not fully fit but always gave his best for Portugal.
## Ronaldo's Impact on Fans
Fans grew up watching Ronaldo, celebrating with him and believing their national team could achieve extraordinary success with him.
## Ronaldo's 2004 Defeat
Portugal's Golden Generation reached the Euro 2004 semi-finals but fell short after Ronaldo's team lost to Greece.
## Ronaldo's 2016 Victory
Ronaldo was forced off injured in Portugal's Euro 2016 final but encouraged teammates from the sidelines.
## Ronaldo's Legacy
Ronaldo's journey from a modest upbringing to the pinnacle of football inspires millions worldwide.
## Key takeaway

Portugal's national team will play their first game without Cristiano Ronaldo after 23 years of his leadership.