Portugal Without Cristiano Ronaldo vs With Ronaldo: Records You Didn’t Know Existed

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just play for Portugal; he changed their entire footballing identity. The before-and-after of Portugal’s footballing history starts and ends with one name: Cristiano Ronaldo. His story is no longer just his; it belongs to every Portuguese fan.

Updated Jun 10, 2025, 02:07 IST

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Cristiano Ronaldo: The Game-Changer Arrives

Cristiano Ronaldo started his international journey in 2003 as a young boy with a hunger, ready to kickstart a new era for Portugal. As a skinny teenager, he had a lot of flair. But he was joining a team with limited success. Portugal had only participated in three World Cups and had no major silverware.

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Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legacy That Transcends Generations

Cristiano Ronaldo started with nothing, but his impact on young stars like João Félix and Conceição has been massive. He has been inspiring youngsters around the world, but it is essential to first trace back how he started it all from nothing.

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Elevating Portugal to Global Relevance

Before Ronaldo and his imprint, Portugal was considered an underachiever on the biggest stage. But with him leading from the front, they became a force to be reckoned with. He helped Portugal qualify for five consecutive World Cups and six UEFA European Championships.

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Cristiano Ronaldo: At Euro 2016, The Dream Begins

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Euro 2016, marking a significant personal achievement for him. He had to wait since 2004, when his country had come close to beating Greece but could not cross the finishing line. Twelve years later, despite being injured in the final, he returned to the touchline to coach, shout, and will Portugal to victory over France.

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Records That Tell the Story

Cristiano Ronaldo's numbers tell the story. His records are simply staggering. Before Ronaldo, Portugal had only 3 World Cup appearances, only 3 UEFA Euro appearances and No major trophies. But after Ronaldo’s arrival, Portugal have: 5 World Cup qualifications, 6 Euro qualifications, 3 major international titles. Numbers indeed tell the story. From a team with no major trophies to one with multiple international titles, the transformation is historic.

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