Cristiano Ronaldo’s career at the Euro in all likelihood came to an end on Friday in the quarterfinals against France, and if it really was the end, the legend went out in heartbreaking fashion.
With the match still scoreless in the 93rd minute during added time, Ronaldo was served up an excellent opportunity to break the shutout with what almost certainly would have been a game-winner for Portugal.
Instead, Ronaldo’s shot sailed sky-high, and the match went to extra time, where it remained scoreless and necessitated a penalty shootout. Ronaldo did his part, leading Portugal off with a make, but it wasn’t enough as France would make all five of its shots and win the shootout 5-4 to advance to the semifinals.
OH RONALDO
He's definitely going to be thinking about this one for a while pic.twitter.com/inRouPZp6X
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
He squandered a similar opportunity during the Round of 16 win over Portugal, missing a late penalty kick opportunity against Slovenia before redeeming himself during the shootout. This time, things didn’t work out that way.
Ronaldo is 39, and while it would be far from surprising to see him try to push his career until he’s 43, there’s a very good chance Friday’s match was the last we’ll see of him at the Euro.
He made history this year by appearing in a record sixth Euro, but after a Round of 16 finish in 2020, he once again fell short in his quest to lead Portugal to another European championship after he helped the team win its first in 2016.
And barring something surprising, Portugal will have to continue on its quest for another title without its captain.
