Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate says he’s ‘past his prime’

Portugal star João Cancelo thinks his national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is past his best and the team does “not entirely depend on him” as the European Championships 2024 approach.

According to Sportskeeda, Cancelo acknowledged Ronaldo’s importance for the national team but believes that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is past his prime.

Cancelo believes that most footballers reach the peak of their career between the ages of 25 and 32.

Cancelo said: “He is an important player and spent 15 years competing with Messi for the Ballon d’Or, but the peak of a footballer’s career is 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, who has been left out of Portugal’s squad for Thursday’s international friendly against Sweden, has bagged 128 goals for his national team in 205 matches.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has scored 30 goals for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in 33 appearances.

According to reports, the athlete has not been dropped from the team but will rest furing the game.