Ronaldo: The farewell he never had
By Abdullahi O. Haruna There is something profoundly tragic about a man who spends the better part of his life carrying the flag of his country across the world, only to discover, at the twilight of his greatness, that the flag he defended may no longer have room for him. It is the tragedy […]
The story of Cristiano Ronaldo is one of tragedy, as the celebrated footballer approaches the end of his career, finding himself in a situation where the flag he represented may no longer have room for him. For over two decades, Ronaldo was more than just a footballer representing Portugal; he was the country's ambassador, its commercial magnet, and a globally recognized symbol of national pride.
His achievements, including 146 international goals, 234 appearances, and the 2016 European Championship victory, transformed the Portuguese shirt into an emblem of international importance. Ronaldo's legacy includes 23 years of service to the national team, enduring the trials of defeats, criticism, and the relentless march of time.
Despite the controversy surrounding his international retirement announced on November 5, 2026, his contributions to Portugal have been acknowledged, and a tribute may still be organized. However, the emotional question remains: why must a man who invested so much in his country depart through the corridor of controversy instead of the grand entrance of honor?
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