Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrated as one of the greatest footballers of all time alongside Messi, and the two have been on international duty, with the former getting eliminated from Euro 2024 after Portugal was sent packing by France on Friday, July 5.
“We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each and every one of you. We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far.” Ronaldo shared.
It was a tough night for the 39-year-old, and a tearful Ronaldo seemed almost inconsolable as he faced the reality that it might be his last international stint before hanging up his boots.
Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany, will be on to forget for Ronaldo, who had a penalty saved by Slovenia’s Jan Oblak during the last 16 and failed to score at an international tournament for the first time in his career.
Though curtains fall for many of our beloved players, a new era of football emerges with talents like Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, and Jude Bellingham poised to carry the torch and lead the next generation of footballers.
Ronaldo has already announced that this will be his last European Championship, as he will be 43 by Euro 2028.
“On and off the field, I’m sure this legacy will be honored and continue to be built. Together.,” The Al Nassr forward wrote.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the support and presence of his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, and his family have been a source of strength for Ronaldo. His family has been a constant presence throughout his career, providing crucial support.
Georgina posted a heartfelt tribute to her partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, after Portugal’s elimination that read: “What beautiful emotions we have experienced this Euro Cup ❤️ Thank you for Everything Portugal,” Georgina expressed as she posted pictures capturing the moments in Hamburg.
Rodriguez and Ronaldo have been in a relationship since 2016. They first met at a Gucci retail store in Madrid, where she was employed as a sales assistant. In addition to raising her own two children with Ronaldo, Rodríguez also is somewhat of a stepmother to his three other children.
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Ronaldo is a GOAT both on and off the pitch, as he has kept his family together and has never faltered in his priorities. Ronaldo sets a strong example; while many struggle with fame, he fulfils his fatherly responsibilities and maintains a close-knit family — all while setting new records on the field.
As Ronaldo exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage, Georgina Rodriguez, his better half, a woman who has fearlessly stood by Ronaldo since they met, was ready to seize the opportunity and spend some quality time with the man of the house.
“Welcome home my love,” Georgina wrote with a photo of Ronaldo relaxing in his living room with his kids. CR7 will have the backing of his loving family and the fruits of his labour to ease off his Euro 2024 heartache.
Portugal will commence their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign in September, and many fans hope to see Ronaldo in the 2026 World Cup, although Ronaldo himself has not indicated any plan to extend his international career.
Several big players have retired from the football scene, including some of Ronaldo’s former and current teammates such as Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Pepe.
Though curtains fall for many of our beloved players, a new era of football emerges with talents like Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala, and Jude Bellingham poised to carry the torch and lead the next generation of footballers.
Football heritage at its finest.
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