Portugal’s João Cancelo believes Cristiano Ronaldo is passed his prime and that the team does not rely solely on him for the upcoming European Championships in 2024.
According to Sportskeeda, Cancelo recognizes Ronaldo’s value to the national team, but believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is past his peak.
Cancelo feels that most footballers attain their optimum performance between the ages of 25 and 32.
Cancelo stated: “He is an important player who spent 15 years vying with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the apex of a footballer’s career occurs between the ages of 25 and 32.
“He is an important player for us, but the national team does not entirely depend on him.”
Ronaldo, 39, was left out of Portugal’s squad for Thursday’s international friendly against Sweden. He has scored 128 goals for his country in 205 games.
In 33 games for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player has scored 30 goals.
