IS THE CR7 ENTERPRISE STILL DECISIVE ON THE PITCH?

Cristiano Ronaldo has recently surpassed 500 million followers on Instagram, becoming the first person on Earth to break the half-billion mark and further solidifying his position as the most influential individual in the world. For over a decade, Ronaldo has been a living enterprise, moving millions of euros with every decision he makes. His media impact is unparalleled: every word he utters is analyzed and debated, every mistake amplified, and every brilliant play either normalized or labeled as ordinary. 

On the other hand, his on-field performances have been declining for the past year, hinting at the possible end of an era that saw him compete in countless battles against one of football’s other greatest talents. 

Adding to the tension are recent controversies surrounding Ronaldo: contentious interviews, the termination of his contract with Manchester United, and social media videos suggesting friction with both teammates and fellow national team members. These issues could potentially affect his performances for Portugal at the World Cup. 

In his most recent stints with Juventus and especially Manchester United, it has become evident that signing Cristiano Ronaldo no longer guarantees the desired results. The football world is thus witnessing a relatively new scenario: a player acquired and paid for more due to his brand and off-pitch benefits than for the tangible impact he can still deliver on the field. While Ronaldo is not the first player whose signing can generate substantial off-field gains, he is undoubtedly the one who has mastered this dynamic the most. The boost he provides to the brand of any club he joins, simply by his presence, remains unmatched. 

However, the growing difficulty in finding a top-level club willing to sign him highlights that he is no longer seen as the decisive player he once was. In fact, despite maintaining a respectable average of at least one goal every two matches, he is often labeled as the cause of his teams’ struggles or as an obstacle to the development of younger players, who may feel overshadowed by his imposing figure. 

To conclude, this article does not aim to declare the end of the CR7 era or dismiss him as a spent force. However, doubts about his ability to make a significant impact at the highest level are legitimate—and justified given his age. These doubts might even be the first signs of humanity shown by an athlete who has otherwise consistently flirted with perfection. 

By Andrea Dapavo