How Cristiano Ronaldo completely changed the history of Portugal

B efore the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo , the Portugal national team had a discreet track record on the international stage. In 82 years of competition, the Portuguese team had only managed to qualify for three of the 11 European Championships held, which represented a 27% participation rate. In World Cups , their presence was even more irregular, with only three appearances in 17 editions, equivalent to 18% of the total.

That Portugal, prior to the Ronaldo phenomenon, had also not achieved any official title . Its trajectory was characterized by talented generations, but without the ability to sustain a winning project . The national team was competitive at times, but without consistency in major tournaments.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival marked a turning point

Cristiano's debut with the national team, accompanied by a huge international career, completely changed the history of Portuguese football. Since his debut, the national team has played in six out of six possible European Championships, with a 100% success rate in qualifying. Their continuity in World Cups reflects the same pattern: six consecutive World Cup appearances, also with 100% attendance.

A titleless team went on to lift three trophies

a leader who raised the competitive level of each generation that coincided with him.

A unique case in the history of international football

. His presence not only changed results, it changed an entire identity.