Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary footballer, has once again demonstrated his skills by scoring 50 goals for Al-Nassr in the 2023-24 season. Despite this remarkable feat, former footballer Paul Merson believes Ronaldo should be benched by Portugal for the upcoming European Championship (Euro 2024), arguing that Saudi football is of a “lesser standard”, reported by GOAL.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39, continues to defy age with his performances at the club level. As he prepares for his 11th major international tournament, Ronaldo has already broken records with 206 caps and 128 goals for Portugal. His longevity and consistent excellence have earned him five Ballon d’Or awards, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Merson's opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo

Paul Merson, a former Arsenal and England star, has stirred controversy by suggesting that Ronaldo should not be included in Portugal's starting lineup for the initial games of Euro 2024. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson expressed his concerns:

“With Pepe and Ruben Dias at the back, Portugal is defensively strong. Their midfield is full of guile, and they have devastating pace and goals upfront. Bruno Fernandes is a top-class footballer and should play a starring role for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his age, remains their captain and is scoring goals in Saudi Arabia. However, I believe they should evaluate his performance in the training camp and make a decision accordingly. Personally, I would leave him out of the first two games, secure qualification, and then bring him back for the final encounter. If he performs well, he can keep his spot. Transitioning from Saudi football to the European Championship is a massive jump.”

Martinez on Ronaldo

Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, has shown no intention of benching Ronaldo. He emphasized Ronaldo's unique contributions to the team, both on and off the field:

“There is no other player in world football who can bring what Cristiano brings to the locker room. This will be his sixth European Championship, a record feat. His experience is invaluable. While we have decisions to make regarding the lineup, Cristiano is ready to help and give everything he can.”

Martinez’s comments highlight the importance of Ronaldo's leadership and experience, which he believes are crucial for Portugal’s success.
Portugal's Euro 2024 Journey

Portugal, the winners of Euro 2016, are set to start their campaign for another continental title on June 18 against the Czech Republic. They will then face Turkey and Georgia in their remaining Group F matches. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, Portugal is seen as a strong contender for the championship.

The road ahead for Ronaldo

The debate over Ronaldo's inclusion reflects a broader conversation about the balance between experience and current form. While Ronaldo's performances in Saudi Arabia have been impressive, the transition to the high-stakes environment of the European Championship is a significant challenge.

Key Fixtures

June 18: Portugal vs. Czech Republic
June 23: Portugal vs. Turkey
June 27: Portugal vs. Georgia

These matches will be crucial for Portugal as they aim to secure their place in the knockout stages. The team's performance in these games will also determine whether Ronaldo will feature prominently in the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo's potential benching is a hot topic as Euro 2024 approaches. While Paul Merson’s opinion adds a layer of intrigue, Ronaldo's track record and the support from his manager suggest he will continue to play a vital role for Portugal. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Portugal, eager to see if they can once again reach the pinnacle of European football.