Portugal’s decision to include Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures has stirred significant debate. The 38-year-old star, despite being the all-time record holder for both most national caps and international goals, has faced mounting criticism for his recent performances with the national team. While he continues to be a key figure for Portugal, his inclusion has raised eyebrows, especially as younger players such as Ruben Neves were excluded from the squad, despite their performances at club level. Ronaldo’s insistence on staying at the forefront of the team, coupled with his declaration that he still considers himself a starter, has drawn mixed reactions. His commitment to winning another Nations League title is admirable, but his critics question if the national team should now be looking towards new blood rather than relying on the fading influence of a 40-year-old forward. While Ronaldo remains focused on achieving more international glory, many are beginning to wonder if his time as an automatic choice in the lineup is coming to an end.
