Leadership Transition: The Case of CR7 and the Portuguese National Team

Over the years, I have closely followed the trajectory of Cristiano Ronaldo, our CR7, from his emergence as a young prodigy from Madeira to becoming the undisputed leader of the Portuguese national team. CR7’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, dedication, and leadership that has inspired millions around the world, myself included.

The Emergence of a Leader

Cristiano Ronaldo began to stand out at a young age while playing for Sporting Clube de Portugal. His technical skill, speed, and, above all, his unwavering ambition caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought him to Manchester United. There, he not only honed his talent but also began to shape his leadership mentality.

In the Portuguese national team, CR7 quickly became a key player. But it wasn’t just his talent that put him in the spotlight; it was his ability to inspire and lead his teammates in decisive moments that established him as the team’s ultimate leader. I vividly remember Euro 2016, where even though he was injured in the final, he continued to lead from the sidelines, guiding his teammates to victory.

The Debate Over Transition

In recent years, I have heard many critics suggest that, at 39 years old, CR7 should hang up his boots and make way for younger players. I understand the logic behind this opinion; renewal is important, and in football, as in any other field, it is natural for new generations to seek their place. However, I firmly believe that in sports, the best should be called up, based on club performance, regardless of age. And, to me, CR7 is still the best.

Cristiano continues to show, game after game, that he still has much to offer. His numbers, his impact on the field, and his experience are irreplaceable. And that’s exactly why I believe he deserves to continue being called up and to remain a starter. The position of leader should not be handed over easily; it must be earned.

Potential Successors

Several names have been pointed out as potential successors to CR7. Let me share my impressions of them:

• Gon?alo Ramos: A promising player but currently dealing with an injury. He still has much to prove.
• Fábio Silva: Although talented, he still needs to establish himself. In my view, he’s not ready to take on a prominent role in the national team.
• Tiago Tomás: Honestly, who is he? He lacks the name and the resume to be considered.
• Trinc?o: A good player, but definitely not a reference as a forward.
• Rafael Le?o: A great talent, no doubt, but he still lacks consistency. He’s a bit clumsy on the field and needs to improve in some areas to establish himself.
• Diogo Jota: A player of great quality, but he needs to make better use of the opportunities given to him. He could be a key player in the future.
• Rui Pedro: Another unknown name who still needs to prove his worth.
• Pedro Neto: A quality player, but like Trinc?o, he is not a reference forward.
• Jo?o Félix: Has potential, but needs to show more work and consistency in crucial games.

I recognize that youth should be given opportunities, but I believe these opportunities must be earned. The young players need to fight, to show on the field that they are capable of doing more and better than CR7. Only then, naturally, will they be able to take his place, leading Ronaldo to the bench and, eventually, to retirement.

The Leadership of Lions: A Parallel with Football

This discussion about leadership transition in football reminds me of a parallel with the leadership of lions. In the animal kingdom, the lead lion remains in charge until another lion proves to be stronger and worthy of leading the group. The leader is not replaced because of age, but because of merit. Similarly, in football, I believe that the leadership transition should be earned on the field, based on performance, not simply because of age.

CR7, like the alpha lion, has not yet been surpassed. He remains the natural leader of our national team, and until a young player proves on the field that he can do more and better, Ronaldo should continue to be the starter.

Conclusion: The Importance of Meritocracy

I believe in the importance of recognizing the value of experienced leaders. CR7, with all his experience and talent, still has much to contribute. However, it is also essential that the new generation be challenged and encouraged to surpass themselves. The leadership transition should happen naturally, based on merit, performance, and the ability to earn the respect of colleagues and fans.

CR7’s story is an example of how leadership is earned and maintained through hard work, dedication, and results. And when the time comes, I hope his transition will be as grand as his career. Until then, I will continue to advocate that the best should be on the field, and that CR7, our lion, is still the best.