Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best soccer players to have existed in the history of the sport. He has achieved unmatchable success due to his extremely hard work, dedication, and hunger to win everything in the game. Cristiano has been an ace for the top clubs he has played throughout his distinguished career. However, his contributions to his national team are also monumentally high and he achieved a massive milestone for his country.
Ronaldo has reached the highest pedestal of soccer legacy by showing unbelievable consistency throughout the years. We know the man he has become today, but the start wasn’t easy at all. He came through a load of diversities. However, the skinny boy from Madeira had the soccer god’s blessing and started early on his incredible journey.
Cristiano made his debut for the Portuguese national team at 15, for the under-15 team of Portugal. The 5x Ballon d’Or played his first match for Portugal against the South African under-15 in a 2-1 win for the Selecao in 2001. Cristiano showed us a glimpse of his potential and Sporting handed him a first-team debut in the following year, and he attracted the big European clubs in a snap.
Five years ago today, Portugal won EURO 2016 🏆
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first trophy with his country 🤩
Tomorrow, #ITA or #ENG take their crown 👑 pic.twitter.com/SXLmPQpwS0
— GOAL (@goal) July 10, 2021
Ronaldo helped his country reach the 2004 Euro Cup final by putting on a brilliant performance alongside Luis Figo. He could have won the Euro at 18, but it wasn’t to be. The 18-year-old left the pitch in tears but he wasn’t defeated. 13 years later, he lifted the Euro 2016 despite being massive underdogs in front of the tournament favorites France.
Portugal’s celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 22nd anniversary with the national team doesn’t go as planned
Cristiano completed his 22 years anniversary as a Portuguese soccer player on February 24. He has scored 118 goals in 196 matches for the senior national team. Unsurprisingly he is head and shoulders above anyone as the most goals scored by a soccer player for his national team.
Portugal’s national team’s official social media pages posted a picture to give tribute to their greatest soccer player of all time with an emotional message. The caption said, “They grow so fast, in 2001, the debut of the ‘wonder kid’ for the Under-15 of the National Team!” and the fans were not very appreciative of it.
Eles crescem tão rápido. 🥺 𝗡𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮, em 2001, a estreia do ‘miúdo-maravilha’ pelos Sub-15 da Seleção! 🐐🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira pic.twitter.com/SXenY7rBLi
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) February 24, 2023
Respect isn’t through these social media posts. You guys didn’t give the respect he deserved when he needed it the most
— 🙂 (@Goatnaldo___) February 24, 2023
And he went on to become the greatest of all time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5RQs1H0Dpx
— Murtaza (@MurtazaBall) February 24, 2023
You guys betrayed cr7 when he gave everything even when he was injured he played so Portugal can go forward.. Ultimate betrayal
— Xen (@Xen_Mufc) February 24, 2023
They only come once. Appreciate while they still here🐐
— The Camera Guy (@SphepheloGhetto) February 24, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo shared the post on his Instagram story as well with the caption, “Time flies.” Fans were a bit angry with the Portuguese FA as Ronaldo was benched for two of the knockout stage matches in the World Cup last year. One fan suggested, “Respect isn’t through these social media posts. You guys didn’t give the respect he deserved when he needed it the most,” in the comment section.
A lot of fans flagged the Portuguese FA as ‘traitors.’ They will be hoping to see Ronaldo in the Euro 2024. Although he will be 40 by then. It will be interesting to see what the star man has to say about it, but given his top physical condition, he can certainly play. Also, we wish Ronaldo a happy 22nd-year anniversary as a Portuguese international.