Portugal’s national team coach Roberto Martínez has defended his decision to exclude Cristiano Ronaldo from the Euro 2024 squad, despite the forward’s continued influence in Portuguese football. With the tournament now underway, Martínez’s call—announced in late May—has sparked debate over whether the 38-year-old Ronaldo, still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains a priority for the national side. The exclusion follows a series of high-profile departures from the squad, including Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, raising questions about Portugal’s depth and tactical direction ahead of the competition.
Roberto Martínez: Portugal head coach since 2018, with a record of 57 wins in 92 matches, including Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 victories.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s all-time leading scorer (128 goals), last capped in 2022 during the Nations League final against Spain. His final international appearance came at age 37, making his exclusion from Euro 2024 particularly notable.
Euro 2024: Portugal’s opening match against the Czech Republic is scheduled for June 15 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with group-stage fixtures against Germany (June 19) and Scotland (June 23). A top-two finish in Group A secures advancement to the knockout rounds.
Key absences: Beyond Ronaldo, Fernandes (injured ankle, ruled out for Euro 2024), Bernardo Silva (long-term injury, sidelined since 2022), and Nuno Mendes (knee surgery in 2023, returning only for friendlies).
Squad depth: Portugal’s 26-man preliminary squad was trimmed to 23 players, with Martínez emphasizing a “balanced” group focusing on youth and versatility.
Martínez’s Strategic Shift: Youth Over Experience in Portugal’s Euro 2024 Roster
Martínez’s decision to omit Ronaldo—who has not played for Portugal since the 2022 World Cup—stems from both tactical and generational shifts. The coach has increasingly relied on younger players like Rafael Leão (24), Gonçalo Ramos (21), and Francisco Trincão (23), who were instrumental in Portugal’s Euro 2020 triumph. However, the move has drawn criticism from fans and pundits, who argue that Ronaldo’s experience and leadership could still benefit the team.
“It’s not about age; it’s about performance,” Martínez told reporters after the squad was named. “We have a group that can deliver, and we need to trust that process. The players we’ve selected have shown they can perform at the highest level. Cristiano has had his time, and now it’s time for others to step up.”
The exclusion also reflects broader tensions within Portuguese football. Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023—where he plays for Al-Nassr under a reported $200 million annual contract—has complicated his relationship with the national team. While he remains a global icon, his international absence has left some questioning whether his heart is still fully committed to Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has not publicly addressed the matter, but internal discussions reportedly highlight concerns over Ronaldo’s fitness and availability for future tournaments.
Contextually, Ronaldo’s exclusion aligns with a trend in modern football where clubs and national teams prioritize younger, more adaptable players. The 2022 World Cup saw Portugal’s squad average age drop to 26.5, compared to 28.3 in 2018. Martínez’s approach mirrors that of other top coaches, such as England’s Gareth Southgate, who have phased out veteran stars in favor of long-term development. However, Portugal’s reliance on set-piece specialists—where Ronaldo excelled—raises questions about how the team will generate goals without his creativity.
Historically, Portugal’s national team has thrived on a mix of experience and youth, with Ronaldo’s partnership with João Moutinho and Nani in the 2010s serving as a model. Without him, the team must now depend on players like João Félix (22), who scored 10 goals in 2023, and António Silva (31), a proven penalty specialist. The absence of Fernandes and Silva further complicates matters, as their midfield control was critical in Portugal’s 2022 World Cup run to the semifinals.
Tactical Challenges: How Portugal’s Squad Will Compensate for Missing Key Players
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign begins with a squad that lacks its usual depth. The absence of Fernandes (injured ankle, ruled out for Euro 2024) and Silva (long-term injury, sidelined since 2022) has forced Martínez to rethink his tactical approach. Analysts suggest the team may rely more on set-piece specialists like João Félix and Bernardo Silva’s defensive contributions, though Silva’s injury has left a void in both attack and midfield.
“The squad is younger, but the pressure is the same,” said João Moutinho, a former Portugal international and current manager of Al-Shabab. “If they don’t perform, the narrative will shift quickly. The group stage is a minefield, and without Bruno and Bernardo, they’re playing with one hand tied behind their backs.”
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The Czech Republic opener on June 15 will be a critical test. Portugal’s group stage includes Germany (June 19), a team with a strong defensive record under Julian Nagelsmann, and Scotland (June 23), which has improved under Steve Clarke. A top-two finish in Group A secures advancement to the knockout rounds, where Portugal would face either Switzerland or France in the Round of 16. The tournament’s format—expanded to 24 teams—means every point is crucial, and Portugal’s lack of depth could be exposed if injuries or fatigue set in.
League context also plays a role: Germany’s Bundesliga is the strongest in Europe, while Scotland’s Premier League has seen a resurgence under Clarke. Portugal’s squad includes players from top leagues, but the absence of Fernandes—who scored 10 goals in 2023—leaves a significant scoring void. Martínez has stated that the team will focus on possession and pressing, but without Ronaldo’s aerial threat or Fernandes’s playmaking, the attack may lack creativity.
Depth-chart implications are stark. With Nuno Mendes (knee surgery) and Bernardo Silva (injured) out, Portugal’s left-back and midfield positions are weakened. Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and Rafael Leão (Barcelona) will be key, but their defensive contributions are limited. The bench includes youngsters like Xico (21) and Matheus Nunes (22), who will need to step up immediately.
Ronaldo’s Future in Portugal’s National Team: A Dwindling Window of Opportunity
Ronaldo’s future in international football remains uncertain. While he has not ruled out a return, his age and the team’s evolving style make his inclusion unlikely for major tournaments. The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be his final opportunity, but Martínez has indicated he prefers to build around younger talent. “Cristiano is a legend, but football is about the present,” Martínez said in May. “We need players who can give us 100% every game.”
“The coach’s job is to make tough calls,” said former Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, now a pundit for RTP. “But if this squad underperforms, the conversation about Ronaldo will only get louder. The fans want him, and if the team struggles, the pressure on Martínez will increase.”
For now, Portugal’s focus remains on Munich. Whether Martínez’s gamble pays off will be clear by the end of June. The team’s next game after the Czech Republic opener is against Germany, a match that could determine their playoff fate. If Portugal fails to advance, the debate over Ronaldo’s exclusion will intensify, with calls for his recall likely to grow louder.
Broader implications extend beyond Euro 2024. Portugal’s squad selection process reflects a broader trend in European football, where national teams are increasingly prioritizing youth over experience. The 2022 World Cup saw a record number of players under 23 in the tournament, and Euro 2024 has continued this shift. However, Portugal’s reliance on a few key players—like Leão and Félix—means any injury could derail their campaign. The team’s ability to adapt without its stars will set the tone for their future under Martínez.
Contractually, Ronaldo remains under his Al-Nassr deal until at least 2025, with no clear path back to a European club. His international future hinges on his fitness and Martínez’s willingness to integrate him. For now, the focus is on the young squad, but the Ronaldo question looms large over Portuguese football.
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For now, Portugal’s focus remains on Munich. Whether Martínez’s gamble pays off will be clear by the end of June.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
