Sir Alex Ferguson gives verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future – with the Al-Nassr star still yet to score at Euro 2024

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Euro 2024 will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last major tournament with Portugal.

Ronaldo, 39, is currently preparing for his nation’s quarter-final tie against France on Friday after they dramatically beat Slovenia on penalties in the last-16.

However, the Al-Nassr star – who is Portugal’s all-time record goalscorer with 130 goals in 211 caps – is enduring somewhat of a nightmare tournament having failed to score in four games, while he was reduced to tears after seeing his penalty saved by Slovenia keeper Jan Oblak in extra time on Monday. 

Ronaldo was brought to Man United by Ferguson as an 18-year-old in 2003, before he played under the legendary Scottish boss for six years at Old Trafford.

And Ferguson felt that Ronaldo, who has already confirmed this tournament will be his last Euros, would not be part of Roberto Martinez’s side at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time record goalscorer having netted a stunning 130 goals in 211 caps

Ferguson felt Ronaldo, who has played in 11 tournaments, wouldn’t play at the 2026 World Cup

‘I can’t image that (he’ll play in 2026),’ Ferguson told SportBild, as per Metro. 

‘Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller.

‘In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.’

Ferguson went onto praise the 39-year-old, who has played in 11 major tournaments for his country, as ‘one of the greatest footballers of all time’, but also felt the forward was no longer simply driven by trophies.

‘One or two more titles would not mean much to him,’ Ferguson added. ‘Because he has had a unique career.’

Speaking earlier this week after Portugal’s dramatic shootout victory over Slovenia, where Ronaldo scored his spot kick, the Al-Nassr star had explained: ‘It’s certainly my last Euro.

Ferguson signed Ronaldo at United and coached him for six years (pictured together in 2007)

Ronaldo hasn’t scored at Euro 2024 and broke down in tears after missing a penalty on Monday

‘But I’m not moved by that, I’m moved by everything that football entails. 

‘The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me.

‘It’s not because I’m leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? 

‘It’s not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.’