Ronaldo lost.

At 40 years old, CR7 no longer displays the composure of a leader, but instead reveals childish reactions that worry the whole of Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo built his career on timeless standards.

Cristiano Ronaldo built his career on timeless standards, with a persistence that defies logic, and with a perfection that commands respect. But in Dublin, he thrust himself into the ugliest zone of his image.

Ronaldo's ugly image

An elbowing incident. An undeserved red card. And a series of childish reactions, a complete contrast to the great image he still strives to maintain. It wasn't just a mistake in one match, but a glimpse of Ronaldo at 40 facing something he'd never accepted: his own decline.

Ronaldo's outburst at Dara O'Shea of ​​the Republic of Ireland was a moment of anger from a player who had been dragged too far, suppressed for too long, and no longer had the composure to handle the situation. But it was his subsequent actions that truly damaged Ronaldo's image. He rubbed his fist in his eye like a child whose toy had been taken away. He sarcastically applauded the crowd. He left the pitch like an emotional loser, not a legend who knew how to control himself.

Ronaldo has received 12 red cards at club level. But the national team has always been the place where he maintained his composure for 22 years. Being sent off for the first time while playing for Portugal, at the age of 40, wasn't just a sad milestone. It was a sign of a change within Ronaldo himself. A change he's unwilling to acknowledge.

The Irish weren't intimidated by Ronaldo's fame. O'Shea didn't bow down to someone with over a billion social media followers. He simply did his job: to relentlessly shadow Ronaldo to the point of annoyance. And Ronaldo lost his way. A legend was drawn into an unequal duel in terms of fame, but balanced in spirit. And Ronaldo lost on that front.

In many situations, Ronaldo became a tactical and psychological burden.

The events in Dublin raise a big question: Does Ronaldo still deserve his untouchable role in the national team? The answer is increasingly leaning towards "no longer." He can still score goals, he can still decide matches, but he is no longer an absolute guarantee.

In many situations, Ronaldo becomes a tactical and psychological burden. EURO 2024 demonstrated this. He slowed down. He lacked flexibility. He no longer made a difference as he used to. He started, even if ineffectively, simply because he is… Ronaldo.

Coach Roberto Martinez didn't dare substitute Ronaldo. It was a decision that showed dependence, even fear. When one player becomes too big, the whole team seems to shrink. At this point, Ronaldo is no longer the driving force. He sometimes becomes a shadow over the rest.

The red card also puts Portugal at a significant risk: Ronaldo could face a three-match suspension for violent conduct. This means he could miss the final qualifying match and the first two group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup. Portugal needs to win against Armenia to secure direct qualification. But even if they qualify, they might have to start the World Cup without their icon.

And the next question is: Does Portugal really need Ronaldo at all costs?

Is Ronaldo still important?

The answer may be controversial, but it's no longer illogical. Portugal has a talented young generation. They have quick, flexible options, and are willing to contribute without the weight of a legend on their shoulders. Ronaldo's absence could allow the team to play more freely, more openly, and focus more on the collective rather than serving an individual.

Does Portugal really need Ronaldo at all costs?

Ronaldo is still pursuing his goal of 1,000 career goals. He currently has 953. He's chasing the World Cup, the only trophy missing. He's chasing the feeling that he's still special. But these pursuits are slowing Portugal down. He's trying to cling to his youth. He's trying to deny the passage of time. And he's making himself look… ridiculous.

Ronaldo doesn't need to prove anything anymore. He's done everything he can to make history. But precisely because he's so concerned about his image, the incident in Dublin should be a wake-up call. A legend needs to leave the pitch with respect. Not with sarcasm. Not with a sulky expression. Not like a 40-year-old man behaving like a 12-year-old boy.

Ronaldo can still contribute to Portugal. But he has to accept his limits. He has to know when to step back. He has to mature in line with what he has built.

Time wins no one. But great people are those who know how to face it. And Ronaldo needs to do that, right now.

Source: https://znews.vn/ronaldo-da-thua-post1602897.html