Portugal and Ronaldo: Four years on, the same goal drought debate

The script feels like deja vu for Portugal. Four years after the 2022 World Cup, the same nagging question resurfaces: Is Cristiano Ronaldo still the answer for this team? The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has failed to find the net in recent outings, and the Seleção's attack looks similarly blunt. With major tournaments on the horizon, the debate over his role has never been more pressing.

The 2022 Déjà Vu

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo's goal drought became a major talking point. He started the tournament but was eventually benched in the knockout stages as Portugal crashed out to Morocco. Fast forward to now, and little has changed. Despite a change in manager and a new generation of talent emerging, Ronaldo still anchors the frontline—and the goals have dried up. The pattern is eerily similar, with Portugal struggling to break down defenses and relying on individual moments.

Why It Matters

This isn't just about an aging superstar; it's about Portugal's tactical identity. With players like João Félix, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, the team has creative wealth, but the focal point remains Ronaldo. When he doesn't score, the system stutters. Coach Roberto Martínez faces the same dilemma as his predecessors: how to integrate a legend whose strengths are waning while the team needs a more fluid attack. The upcoming fixtures will be a litmus test.

What It Means

Unless Ronaldo finds his scoring touch soon, Portugal may need to make a hard decision. The Euro 2024 qualifiers and Nations League campaign offer chances to experiment. But the clock is ticking. For now, the script remains unwritten, and the debate will only intensify with every goalless game. The question is: can Portugal evolve beyond its greatest ever player?