How Portugal’s send-off for Cristiano Ronaldo turned into a horror show
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Portugal suffered a historic 4-1 home defeat to Denmark in their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football, marking their heaviest competitive loss on home soil in 105 years.
- The match at Estadio Municipal de Braga featured extensive tributes to Ronaldo, including former teammates and mascots wearing his No. 7 shirt, a standing ovation, and a symbolic redesign of the number to signify his retirement.
- Ronaldo was absent from the event, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, prompting questions about his non-attendance; Portugal’s coach Jorge Jesus stated it was up to Ronaldo to decide.
- Despite the heavy loss, Portugal had won their previous three matches without Ronaldo, indicating a period of adjustment as they transition away from relying on one of football’s greatest goalscorers.
- Bernardo Silva, the new captain, acknowledged the emotional challenge of moving on from Ronaldo’s 23-year international career, while the coach emphasized that Ronaldo’s future lies elsewhere and the team must move forward.
