The captain remained, but in reserve

Cr Cristiano Ronaldo’s fervor around his career reached new heights after his substitution became a talking point in the World Cup clash with South Korea during the 2022 group stage, a moment that sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.

Ronaldo exited the pitch without making a visible impact, visibly unhappy with the sequence of events. The reaction did not please the head coach, Fernando Santos. Leaked reports suggested the coaching staff contemplated moving the captain from the starting lineup and reducing his armband influence, signaling a strategic shift rather than personal discord.

In the 1/8 final against Switzerland, Ronaldo did not assume a leading role on the field. He remained on the bench for the duration of the match, entering only after a final scoreline had been established at 5 to 1. The team secures another tally with his teammates, but Rafael Leao scored that goal without Ronaldo directly involved. The match context grew more dramatic when Goncalo Ramos replaced the veteran forward and delivered a hat trick, becoming the standout figure of the game.

Meanwhile Ronaldo continued to support his teammates from off the pitch, cheering every goal, lifting spirits, and offering encouragement, perhaps displaying less of the negative emotion some observers expected.

“Is there a change in order? It was a strategy, every player is different. I also included Dalot and Rafael Guerreira, and Cancelo is a fantastic player as well. After the match, the Portugal head coach Fernando Santos explained that this arrangement was part of the plan to face Switzerland,” a source quoted him as saying. “I have no issue with the national team captain. We have been friends for many years. Ronaldo set a commendable example as a captain.”

Support and criticism

The discourse around Ronaldo divided opinions across the globe. Among Ronaldo’s supporters was his close associate Georgina Rodriguez, who extended public words of affirmation.

“Portugal earned heartfelt congratulations. When all eleven players stood for the anthem, cameras inevitably focused on you. It would have been wonderful to see 90 minutes with the world’s best player, and the fans kept calling your name,” Georgina wrote on social media. “May God and my dear friend Fernando keep steering the boat and bless us with another thrilling night.”

Public shows of support also came from Ronaldo’s mother and sister, who consistently defended him. Yet a Portuguese journalist offered a harsh critique, spotlighting Ramos’s accomplishments and questioning the focus on Ronaldo’s role. The journalist remarked that Ramos’s hat trick marked a historic moment as the youngest player to score a hat trick in a World Cup knockout game since Pelé, while Ronaldo was highlighted as not defending the team in the same way. The article drew attention to Ronaldo’s contrasting behavior compared with Ramos’s impact on the field, a point echoed by others in the media. [Citation: Sports journalism analysis]

Ronaldo himself used social media to post a positive message after the match, describing the day as historic for Portugal and praising the team’s effort. He noted the elegant performance of a talented young squad and affirmed that the dream remains alive. Ramos echoed the sentiment, stating Ronaldo remains their leader and captain, admired by many, and that the team looks forward to playing alongside him. Bruno Fernandes also expressed happiness with the result, emphasizing Ronaldo’s contribution to the team’s efforts. [Citation: Player statements and public reactions]

In the aftermath, the question of Ronaldo’s role for the remainder of the tournament persisted. Santos offered a measured assessment, indicating that Ronaldo’s role would be clarified in due course and stressing the importance of maintaining a strong player-coach relationship while focusing on the team’s tactical needs. He asserted that Ronaldo would likely feature again in upcoming matches, depending on strategic considerations. [Citation: Coach interviews]

Observers highlighted Ronaldo’s status as one of the game’s all time greats, both for his individual talent and his leadership qualities. The emphasis remained on the team’s broader objectives, with the coach underscoring Ronaldo’s significance while prioritizing the squad’s collective performance.

“It matters to examine the player’s history”

The discussion about Ronaldo’s prospects in the tournament continued, with Santos noting that his role would be determined in the context of the team’s broader plan. The coach spoke of a long standing relationship with Ronaldo dating back to when he was younger, describing a history of mutual understanding that transcends the dynamics of the pitch. The aim was to balance the needs of the team with the captain’s influence, ensuring that decisions remained aligned with the squad’s goals. [Citation: Coaching philosophy]

There was an expectation that Ronaldo would appear on the field in the match against Morocco, reinforcing his value as a veteran leader and as a premier attacking option. Analysts pointed to Ronaldo’s status as one of the world’s top players and his role as a captain who can steer a team through challenging moments. The team’s management stated that Ronaldo’s experience would remain a critical asset, even if his playing time shifted as the tournament progressed. [Citation: Team strategy]

Through the World Cup, Ronaldo’s tally stood at a single goal from a penalty in a match with Ghana, while his involvement in the goal against Uruguay highlighted his overall influence even when not directly finishing. Observers noted that the captain’s presence mattered beyond goals, contributing to the team’s morale and tactical organization, and that his future in the tournament would hinge on form, fitness, and the coaching staff’s plans. [Citation: Match reports]

Despite the importance placed on his leadership, it was clear that Ronaldo’s position was not at its strongest. Ramos’s surge and the younger players’ performances raised questions about the captain’s continued involvement in the later stages of the tournament. The possibility of Ronaldo tending to a role off the field or returning from the bench remained part of ongoing discussions among fans and analysts alike. [Citation: Tournament analysis]

Europe or Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo’s club future remained in flux. By the 2022 World Cup, his contract with Manchester United had come to a mutual end, in part due to the controversial interview with Piers Morgan that drew intense scrutiny from the club and coach Erik ten Hag. Since then, reports have circulated about an offer from Saudi Arabia with a reportedly massive salary. Ronaldo publicly denied definitive reports about a post World Cup deal, maintaining that any decision would be influenced by multiple factors. [Citation: Transfer rumors]

Insider commentary from Fabrizio Romano indicated that European opportunities remained on the table and that Ronaldo would weigh Champions League ambitions alongside a potential move to Al Nassr or other options. The ongoing dialogue pointed to a broader picture where the player could pursue high profile competitions while preserving his career trajectory. [Citation: Transfer coverage]

“There is still a lot left for the national team”

Analysts offered varied perspectives on Ronaldo’s form and future. Dmitry Bulykin, a former striker, underscored the unpredictability of a player’s early World Cup contributions and cautioned that fitness, tactical decisions, and the coach’s plan would shape his involvement in subsequent matches. He highlighted the possibility that Ronaldo could be rested or managed to preserve performance for key fixtures, while still remaining an integral asset to the squad. Bulykin stressed that the coaching staff would determine how to balance star power with collective needs and that Ronaldo could contribute in multiple ways, whether on the field, in the locker room, or from the bench. [Citation: Expert commentary]

The broader question remained about Ronaldo’s long term choice. Analysts noted that the decision would hinge on multiple factors, including contract commitments, financial considerations, and personal goals. The consensus was that any final move would likely reflect both footballing ambition and pragmatic calculations, with Ronaldo weighing European opportunities against offers from other leagues. The ultimate decision, whatever it is, would be guided by what best serves his legacy and the team’s competitive outlook. [Citation: Expert synthesis]