What Could Ronaldo’s Departure Mean for Portugal and Its Fan Token®?

Ronaldo’s abrupt exit from Portugal’s international camp during the Nations League has many wondering if he’ll return – and what it could mean for the team and its token.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s international camp during their Nations League campaign has thrown up no end of questions, chief among them whether or not he’ll come back.

At 41 years of age, the striker is no spring chicken – and his admission that he has played his last World Cup game suggests he’ll bow out in the near future regardless. But what are the chances he departs now, before Portugal have a chance to defend their Nations League title in 2027? 

If this is indeed the end of his storied international career, where does it leave the national side and the sentiment around its official Fan Token®, $POR?

Why Did Ronaldo Leave the Portugal Camp?

Ronaldo’s reasons for leaving the camp haven’t been revealed, with the star saying he will explain why “in time.”

Although Ronaldo started for Portugal in their recent 1-0 victory over Wales, he was substituted in the second half, then left on the bench for their next game against Norway. 

Afterwards, manager Jorge Jesus denied a rift and indicated Ronaldo could return against Denmark; but before that match took place, the striker left.

Is There a Route Back for Ronaldo?

Whether Ronaldo will return to the fold for Portugal depends on why he left. 

If there was indeed a dispute with the manager, or the Portuguese Football Federation, it may need to be smoothed over before the captain can return for the next round of Nations League matches in November.

Ronaldo is on a mission to hit 1,000 career goals (current tally: 979), and he would surely relish the prospect of helping Portugal achieve more success in the process. Particularly as the Bernabéu has emerged as a candidate to host next year’s Nations League final. 

It was here where Ronaldo enjoyed many of the greatest performances of his career while representing Real Madrid.

Are Portugal Better Off Without Ronaldo?

Whatever happens in the short term, the post-Ronaldo era is not far off for Portugal and so it’s natural to wonder how they will fare without him.

Some critics have stated in recent years that despite his talismanic influence and goals, Portugal would fare better without Ronaldo because, at his age, he is less committed to off-the-ball and defensive work than younger players.

Interestingly, in the games Ronaldo missed – against Norway and Portugal – forwards Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix scored four goals between them. Ramos, AC Milan’s €74 million record signing, has often been benched in favour of Ronaldo, including at this year’s World Cup.

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Ronaldo is the record goalscorer in men’s international football, having netted 146 goals in 234 appearances. However, it is interesting to note that since 2017, Portugal’s win percentage when Ronaldo isn’t in the team is actually superior (64% vs 63%) to when he plays. 

Moreover, the national side score 2.7 goals a game in his absence, compared to 2.1 when he features.

Although Ronaldo remains Portugal’s star player, this is considered a golden generation for the national team, which boasts four members of Paris St-Germain’s all-conquering consecutive Champions League-winning side.

How Would Ronaldo’s Exit Affect $POR Sentiment?

Given how close the aforementioned win percentages are, it’s debatable whether Ronaldo’s departure will help or hinder Portugal, but what about the sentiment around the Portugal Fan Token® ($POR)?

Ronaldo’s iconic status is such that it’s fair to assume some fans hold and interact with the token purely because of him. If Ronaldo bows out now, will those fans retain the same level of interest in $POR? That remains to be seen.

Looking at the markets, the value of $POR has declined since Sept. 28, the day after Portugal beat Norway 2-1 with Ronaldo on the bench, falling from $0.080 to $0.074 (8.1%). News that Ronaldo had left the camp broke on Sept. 30.

If the captain does leave, fans of Portugal – including those who hold and use $POR – will surely bid him a fond farewell. Perhaps he’ll be best remembered for leading the nation to glory at the 2016 Euros, or for being the only player in history to score at six different World Cups. 

With or without Ronaldo, Portugal are aiming to defend their Nations League title next June and dethrone Spain at the Euros the following year.

Ronnie McCluskey: Fan Token® Market Reporter