Portugal advised on how to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘untouchable status’ – with a ‘different kind of approach’ required with record-breaking 39-year-old forward

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a talismanic presence for his country since making a senior international debut back in 2003. Some 21 years later Ronaldo is up to 214 caps, with a historic haul of 132 goals recorded.

Ronaldo is now 39 years of age, but retirement is still not an option that he is willing to consider. Questions were asked of his contribution to the collective cause at Euro 2024 – as he went goalless through that competition – having previously been benched at the 2022 World Cup.

Current coach Roberto Martinez continues to call upon the all-time great, as he fills the captain’s armband, but change is being called for. Tomas da Cunha, a football pundit for DAZN and TSF radio, has told BBC Sport: “The whole debate is not about his age, but much more than that. Pepe was 41 and yet his performances were largely praised in the summer. Ronaldo's, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired in the last World Cup and Euros. Fernando Santos [former Portugal coach] tried to end his untouchable status, but with Martinez that hasn't happened.”

Da Cunha added on what needs to happen next: “The FPF refused to end his story with the team after Qatar and that helps understanding the decision to appoint Martinez. You cannot diminish the weight of Ronaldo and his brand, of course, but the best years of a highly talented generation are passing by and you still don't see them being able to express themselves with full freedom with the ball. A different kind of approach with Ronaldo, focusing on scenarios where he can contribute, would be way more productive at this point of his career.”

It remains to be seen whether Portugal will alter their approach, with Ronaldo making it clear that he wants to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to hanging up his boots. Da Cunha said of that dream: “It's something that has already had influence over the past few years - the team always looking for him and also the individualistic way that he approaches this situation.”

Ronaldo has been among the goals for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the 2024-25 campaign, as he shows no sign of slowing down, but his club and country need to ensure that he does not become an unwelcome distraction that negatively impacts the performances of those around him.