CR7 Needs to Retire: Saudi Tantrums Tarnishing His Legacy

Cristiano Ronaldo has had his share of memorable tantrums over the years, but his outburst during Al-Nassr's Saudi Super Cup final defeat against Al-Hilal was particularly childish and embarrassing. Ronaldo gave his team an early lead with a close-range goal just before halftime, but Al-Nassr collapsed in the second half, suffering a 4-1 defeat.

The final blow came from former Barcelona winger Malcom, who capitalized on a glaring mistake by Al-Nassr's goalkeeper Bento. Ronaldo, visibly frustrated, lashed out by accusing his teammates of 'sleeping' and making a crude gesture that seemed to suggest they had 'sh*t themselves.'

It was a disheartening display. As Al-Nassr's captain and the highest-paid footballer in the world, Ronaldo's lack of class and self-awareness was evident when his team needed him most. With 18 minutes still left to play, there was a slim chance to salvage the game, but instead of rallying his team, Ronaldo's behavior only served to deepen their disarray.

Ronaldo’s tenure at Al-Nassr has so far yielded no trophies, highlighting a stark contrast to the impact he was expected to make. His refusal to acknowledge that he is no longer the player he once was, coupled with his immature antics, seems to repel rather than attract support. In a career that once defined greatness, he now struggles to remain relevant.

All about him

Cristiano Ronaldo's 66 goals in 72 appearances for Al-Nassr is indeed impressive, but it's important to note that the Saudi Pro League does not match the level of Europe's top five leagues, despite the significant investments in high-profile players since Ronaldo's arrival.

When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, the team was at the top of the league, but his presence hasn't necessarily made them a stronger unit. Instead, the focus seems to have shifted to him, overshadowing the team's overall performance.

Al-Ittihad won the 2022-23 title, and last season, Al-Hilal dominated, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr without losing a game. Ronaldo's frustration has been evident following each setback. In February, he was suspended for an obscene gesture towards Al-Shabab fans who taunted him with chants about Lionel Messi. Two months later, he was sent off for an elbowing incident during a loss to Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo's behavior on Sunday, including storming down the tunnel without collecting his runner-up medal, further highlighted his lack of professionalism and disregard for the team. Such actions set a poor example for younger players.

Once a symbol of excellence, Ronaldo has now become a figure of ridicule on social media. Even a prolific season with Al-Nassr won't alter this perception. His decline as a role model contrasts sharply with the extraordinary standards he once set during his prime years.

'Ain't going nowhere'

That brings us to a pressing question among football enthusiasts: why hasn’t Ronaldo retired yet? The trophies have become scarce, and he has faced considerable criticism for his performances in recent years.

Ronaldo's final season at Juventus showed clear signs of decline, and his much-anticipated return to Manchester United quickly soured. Despite his claims of having achieved everything in European football, he was left with no choice but to move to a new continent, as top clubs were unwilling to take a risk on the veteran striker after his turbulent exit from Old Trafford.

Success has remained elusive in the Middle East, and with the significant quality gap between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, it’s likely that Ronaldo will continue to face challenges. Another year of setbacks and negative headlines might not spark a change in his approach.

Former United teammate Rio Ferdinand recently hinted at Ronaldo’s plans, saying on Rio Reacts, “I can’t reveal too much, but I’ve been in touch with Cristiano, and he’s going to play as long as he wants. He isn’t going anywhere. I was surprised, but I believe he’ll play for at least another three years.”

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More suffering to come for Portugal

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al-Nassr expires next year, but the club is expected to exercise their option to extend it through to 2026. If Rio Ferdinand’s prediction holds true, Ronaldo is also eyeing a spot in Portugal's squad for the next World Cup.

Should Ronaldo achieve this, it would be a setback for Portugal's promising young talent, who might once again be sidelined. This scenario seems plausible if Roberto Martinez remains in charge. Despite being among the favorites for Euro 2024, Portugal underperformed and faced a disappointing quarter-final exit at the hands of France, with Ronaldo starting every match.

The Sporting CP academy graduate failed to score, contributed minimally to Portugal's build-up play, and struggled with free-kick execution. His frustration was evident as he displayed poor body language, frequently complaining and visibly angry when attacks faltered.

As Dietmar Hamann remarked after the tournament, Ronaldo’s behavior was a glaring example of selfishness. "The way he conducted himself throughout the competition—playing the last game against Georgia when Portugal had already won the group and logging more minutes than any other outfield player despite not being up to it—was one of the most outrageous acts of selfishness I've ever seen in a team sport," Hamann told RTE. "His behavior highlights a pattern of prioritizing individual performance over team success, which, while showcasing his immense talent, has often overshadowed the team dynamics.”

Ronaldo's real fuel

"The most important thing about the journey I've been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here," Ronaldo told Portuguese broadcaster RTP when asked about his future in international football during the Euros. "It's been 20 years representing and playing for the national team, bringing joy to people, to my family, and my children. That is what motivates me most."

Despite Ronaldo’s sentiments, many football fans were less than impressed by his lackluster performances in Germany. His time at Old Trafford had seen him initially score some crucial late goals, but those moments couldn’t mask the broader decline in his influence on the pitch.

Ronaldo's true drive has always been external validation. He thrived on the acclaim that came with winning the Ballon d'Or and other accolades, with individual recognition often taking precedence over team success. However, those days are now behind him. The era of Ronaldo and Messi vying for the GOAT title is over, with Messi now showcasing his talents in MLS with Inter Miami. While Messi too is nearing the end of his career, he is managing this transition with grace and acceptance.

Ronaldo’s refusal to acknowledge the inevitable decline and adapt accordingly is doing significant damage to his once-stellar legacy. His dramatic outbursts and on-field frustrations are increasingly out of place, as he struggles to maintain the level of performance that once defined him.

Ego out of control

Gary Neville has raised doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo's capacity for self-reflection. Speaking on The Overlap after Portugal's Euros defeat to France, Neville questioned the impact of Ronaldo's relentless drive and self-determination on those around him. "There's a dynamic of unbelievable desire, self-fight, and determination that you love about Ronaldo," Neville said. "But how overbearing is that for the rest of the players, the manager, and the country? Some players know when to let it go, but there are others who need to be told. I don't think Ronaldo has it in him."

Ronaldo is surrounded by 'yes men,' like Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro, who have enabled his unchecked ego. This has led to frustration among many, including a growing number in the Saudi media. As Ronaldo gears up for the new league season with Al-Nassr against Al-Raed on Thursday, there's increasing sentiment that his commercial value shouldn't guarantee him a place in every match. Al-Nassr must start planning for life beyond Ronaldo to avoid becoming also-rans in the Pro League title race.

The bottom line

Ironically, the only way for Cristiano Ronaldo to regain the adulation he seeks might be to announce his retirement from football. At this point, many take pleasure in his struggles, and the concluding chapters of his career serve as a reminder of why it's often best to exit at the peak.

Ronaldo has held on for too long, but there's still a chance for redemption. By acknowledging that his career is over, he could allow the world to celebrate his remarkable achievements and reflect on a golden era that may never be matched.

In his prime, Ronaldo was one of the most devastatingly brilliant forwards to ever play the game. While he didn't surpass Messi in terms of sheer ability, he came close for over a decade and provided an endless array of unforgettable moments that will endure.

The purists who appreciate the impact great players like Ronaldo have had on the sport don't want to see him futilely attempt to turn back time. He's no longer the best, and that's okay. Unfortunately, we may have to endure a few more cringe-worthy displays before he comes to terms with this reality.