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Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam
Twenty years after emerging as one of Portugal's brightest young talents at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo is still performing on football's biggest stage.
At 41, the Portugal captain remains one of the game's most recognizable figures, even as the spotlight increasingly shifts toward a younger generation led by stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday, turning in a subdued display and showing visible frustration after several missed opportunities. Yet even on a difficult afternoon, he remained one of the tournament's central figures, thanks to his extraordinary career achievements as much as to his continued presence on the field.
For many players, a World Cup appearance represents the peak of a career. For Ronaldo, it has become a recurring chapter in a story that began in 2006, when a young Portuguese forward helped his country reach the semifinals in Germany.
Since then, he has collected almost every major honor available in club football. He has won five UEFA Champions League titles, claimed multiple league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and become one of the most prolific scorers the sport has ever seen. On the international stage, he captained Portugal to its first major trophy at Euro 2016 before adding two UEFA Nations League titles.
The challenge facing Ronaldo now is different. He is no longer the explosive winger who threatened defenders in his early years at Manchester United, nor the relentless goal machine who dominated European football during his prime at Real Madrid.
Age has inevitably changed his game. He no longer relies on speed as much as he once did, instead using his positioning and experience to influence matches.
Asked whether Ronaldo would start Portugal's upcoming matches, coach Roberto Martinez said selections would be based on players' condition rather than their age.
"We treat every player in the same way. We take it step by step. We'll assess every player. It's not a special issue. We don't treat Cristiano with age… we treat him how he feels," Martinez said.
Ronaldo did not address the media after the match against DR Congo. Instead, he shared a brief message on social media, urging his team to remain focused on the challenges ahead.
"It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over," he wrote on X. "Head up and focus on the next game."
The statement reflected a mindset that has defined much of his career.
Whether this tournament ends with glory or disappointment, Ronaldo's place in football history was secured long ago. Every appearance now adds another line to a record book already filled with milestones.
