Portugal have been warned against rushing Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement.
Football’s all-time top scorer announced that he won’t be playing at another World Cup after a disappointing turnout in the Americas.
However, no one has ruled out Euro 2028 for the 41-year-old, including new coach Jorge Jesus.
According to the director of the Portuguese Institute of Marketing Administration, Daniel Sa, letting Ronaldo go early would be a disaster.
Portugal warned about Ronaldo retirement
“It might be a bit harsh to say, but from a brand perspective, Ronaldo is incomparably bigger than the entire Portuguese national team and countless others combined,” he told Record.
“I’m not doing a sporting analysis, but a brand one: it’s going to be a tragedy when he leaves, because people still don’t grasp the media attention that will be lost. We’re going to fall down a high-speed escalator.”
Sa went on to explain the future post-Ronaldo.
He continued: “He’s the one who gets them to sign various contracts and earn a lot of money for over 20 years.
“I believe the Portuguese Football Federation is preparing a different narrative, because it can’t be dependent on just one person and needs to present other types of arguments.
“Obviously, there’s more to Portuguese football than Ronaldo, but they should explore this new strategy well.
“Alongside the player, there’s Ronaldo the influencer, who is the biggest in the world and the most followed person on social media, Ronaldo sponsored by various national and international brands, and Ronaldo the investor in multiple industries. After he stops playing, this brand will continue to grow.”
Ronaldo may not be done for Portugal
Speaking after being named Portugal’s new head coach, Jorge Jesus didn’t rule out Ronaldo continuing.
“I haven’t spoken to Cris yet,” he said. “It will never be a problem for the national team or for me.
“Regarding the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will speak with Cris and everyone individually.
“Cris is a symbol of Portugal and I had great pleasure working with him. It’s very easy to work with him. He just needs to understand where he can go and where I can go.
“But I have to talk to him to find out what he wants to do. He always told me he wants to finish at Al Nassr, now it remains to be seen what will be best for him.”
Ronaldo earlier confirmed it was his last World Cup, saying: “Yes, it’s my last one [World Cup]. Let’s go and enjoy it.
“I will retire when I want, not when you want. Whether I play or I stay on the bench, the influence will not change.”
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