Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal career is hanging in the balance following Portugal’s crushing 1-0 loss to Morocco.
Ronaldo, 37, one of the greatest ever to play the game, has never won a World Cup — and likely never will — following Morocco’s breathtaking and historic upset of Portugal on Saturday night in Qatar.
As Morocco’s bench stormed the field in elation, setting Al Thumama Stadium alight and triggering celebrations across Africa and the Arab world, the cameras were quick to pan to the Portuguese captain.
The contrast, by comparison, was striking.
Ronaldo briskly exited the field, took a final stoic glance at the crowd before cupping his hand over his face in utter disappointment.
Notably, he exited the field unaccompanied by teammates, apparently sobbing, as he strode past reporters, camerapeople and FIFA staff towards the Portuguese dressing room. He was almost completely alone.
If Qatar is indeed the end, it will be a bittersweet conclusion to a legendary career for the Portuguese player.
Ronaldo’s biggest moment at the tournament — when he became the only player in history to score a goal in five separate World Cups — will surely be remembered for generations.
Ronaldo holds the world record as the all-time overall leading scorer in international play with 118 international goals in 196 matches. He is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the recipient of four European Golden Shoes and has seven league titles under his belt.
In October, he scored the 700th goal of his club career for Manchester— another unmatched feat for a player who launched his career with Real Madrid in 2003.
The 2022 World Cup, though, was surely a rollercoaster of ups and downs for the giant of football.
