There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo — he keeps proving his doubters wrong even at 40

Dubai: There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo. Even Lamine Yamal knows that now, if he didn’t know already. Before the game, the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation posted an Instagram story declaring he was “born for this.” Little did he realise that the 40-year-old Ronaldo has been playing and winning at this elite level much before even Yamal was born.

Don’t get me wrong — we all know Lamine is destined to be a superstar. Even Ronaldo has admitted as much. But he’s just 17, and he still has a long way to go. For his own good, this setback against Portugal can only make him stronger. From CR7, there are lessons to be learnt about resilience, hunger and never giving up on one’s dreams.

Yamal was so passive and found himself pocketed by Nuno Mendes, who delivered a masterclass in both defensive solidity and attacking brilliance. Nuno has pocketed Salah, Saka, Dumfries, and Lamine all in the last few months. And the penalty he scored in that shoot-out was also mind-blowing. He is currently the best left-back in the world and one of the best players in the world as well.

Doubt Cristiano at your own risk

Write off Cristiano at our own peril — he often proves us wrong. Yes, he struggled in the last two major tournaments — the World Cup and Euros — but the tears of joy that flowed when Portugal won the shoot-out while he watched anxiously from the bench (substituted in the 88th minute due to injury) were wholesome. Those tears revealed how much it means to him. He wanted it so badly, and he earned it.

Mendes was the star of both — semi-finals and final, excelling in defence and attack. The PSG fullback’s individual brilliance shone through in both goals Portugal scored. However, Cristiano’s hunger at age 40 cannot be underestimated.

How is he still going strong at this age? It’s almost mythical. Whenever people think he’s finished and write obituaries on the end of his career, Cristiano delivers. In this Nations League - a new competition from Uefa after scrapping the boring friendlies - campaign alone, Cristiano has found the net in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final — finishing as Division A’s leading scorer.

Ronaldo — man of the moment

Do you think that’s normal for a 40-year-old?

It was one of those nights that makes you question everything you think you know about football. Ronaldo was having what can only be described as a bizarre evening. First, there was the ear-flicking incident with Oyarzabal after Portugal’s equaliser, where he survived a VAR check for offside. The constant complaints to the referee after Spain’s goals painted a picture of a frustrated veteran looking for help. However, there were some positional movements, and we also saw him pinching the ball from Lamine on a couple of occasions after tracking back immaculately.

He lost possession a few times and didn’t have a shot for an hour. But then comes the moment. Mendes walked past Lamine on the wing like he wasn’t there and delivered a cross, which deflected off Le Normand, but CR7 was lurking in the box. He was waiting for that moment. In that split second, with the ball hanging in the air, the anticipation was only growing. You could feel it. Cucurella couldn’t win that battle. Goal No 138 arrived for the Portugal superstar. Another moment that made fools of everyone who dared to question the “old man’s” capabilities. He delivers when it mattered the most, another stark reminder of Ronaldo’s magical traits.

This is why we love football, isn’t it? This is why we keep watching, keep believing, keep witnessing surprises that shouldn’t happen, but somehow takes place.

Portugal’s golden generation

This Portuguese side is stacked with talent across every position. If they don’t win a World Cup or Euro in the next 5-6 years, it will be nothing short of a disaster. Roberto Martinez has his doubters, but he has shown his game-reading ability with the changes he made in the semi-final and final. He was spot on. He is improving. However, the Spanish coach repeated the same mistake he had against France. Who will sub off Pedri when you need control?

What’s next for Ronaldo?

He’ll take a well-deserved holiday now. He finished the final carrying an injury, later revealing he was playing through pain and was ready to “break his leg for Portugal.”

He’s already confirmed he won’t participate in the Club World Cup despite numerous offers. I suspect he’ll extend his stay at Al Nassr. The main ambition remains clear: stay fit and be ready for the next World Cup, hopefully helping Portugal finally claim the ultimate prize.