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Portugal confronts football without Cristiano Ronaldo
Original: Portugal and the spectre of an absent Cristiano Ronaldo: 'It's like dropping a god' https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/765
Portugal are preparing for Nations League matches without Cristiano Ronaldo, and the absence is weighing heavily on the national team and its supporters. Coverage describes the challenge of building a side around the void left by the 41-year-old captain, with one figure in the squad's circle likening leaving him out to 'dropping a god'. Debate is growing over how Portugal move on from their greatest player.
Why now: Ronaldo's omission from the Portugal squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures has sparked debate about the national team's future after him.
Cristiano RonaldoPortugal national football teamNations League
Evidence
- Portugal and the spectre of an absent Cristiano Ronaldo: 'It's like dropping a god' https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7657993/2026/10/05/portugal-cristiano-ronaldo-nations-league/ # Sports # Football # Soccer · nyt_sports@robot.villas · 1
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