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Ronaldo's Portugal career ended in shame, but at his peak he was a dominant force

Though his national team career finished in parody and mockery, we should remember Cristiano Ronaldo for what he was at his peak: an almost unstoppable player for his country.

1dMark Ogden
Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus surprised over Ronaldo's international exit

2h
1:47

Ronaldo's incredible international career: Best moments, key stats as he retires from Portugal duty

1dChris Wright

Ronaldo retired from Portugal duty after (another) row with his coach

1dAlex Kirkland

Ogden: Time catches up with everyone, even Cristiano Ronaldo

1d
2:48

Portugal Football Federation pays tribute to Ronaldo after international retirement

1dAdriana Garcia

Fernandes, Man United honour Ronaldo retirement

10hESPN

Marcotti: Ronaldo was one of the greatest of all time

1d
1:15

TOP HEADLINES

Indian Super League

ISL 2026/27: Bengaluru beat Goa 2-1 after controversial late winner

1hESPN Staff
Lester.R/FS Media Pro/ISL

ISL Musings: SC Delhi's amazing comeback, Chennaiyin's drought, NorthEast goal for the ages

3dAaditya Narayan

PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST

A serious question: Could the best manager in the world save struggling Manchester United?

7hRyan O'Hanlon
Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Are Arsenal too reliant on soccer's 'dark arts,' or is it just sour grapes?

7hMultiple contributors
Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images

Thursday's key Europa League action

SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP

INDIA VS PAKISTAN; 3 PM ONWARDS

India 3-2 Pakistan: Suhail Bhat stars as defending champions open SAFF Championship 2026 with win

1dAnirudh Menon
Scott Barbour/Getty Images

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL stats: Yamal breaks Mbappe's record with 14; PSG, Madrid, Como set records; Mbappe 100; Raphinha overtakes Rivaldo

2dSunaadh Sagar
(Photo by David Ramos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

UCL talking points: First upsetting United, now NINE goals!? Are Como the real deal?

2dMultiple contributors
Xavier Laine/Getty Images

MANCHESTER UNITED

PREMIER LEAGUE

Run, Man United, run: How preseason fitness can hinder Premier League form

1dSam Tighe
Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images

Wednesday's Champions League reaction

Kuyt: Win vs. Liverpool 'another miracle in Istanbul'

2dJamie Barton
Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images

Arteta: Arsenal have 'a lot to learn' after nervy win over Slavia Prague

2dPA

'One-of-a-kind': Mourinho lauds Bellingham as Madrid stay perfect in Champions

2dSam Marsden

Fabregas: Como can't buy into 'hype' after record 9-goal UCL night

2dESPN News Services

Haaland tells Man City to 'step up' after netting winner in Leipzig

2dESPN News Services

Iraola bemoans 'cheap, messy goals' in Liverpool loss at Fenerbahce

2dESPN News Services

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