In all forms of life, everyone looks for a superhero. Cliche, but in my adolescence, I saw my father as my hero. The football world is no different, from Pele to Maradona to Ronaldo (R9), and now in the modern era, Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7), football loves superheroes. Whether in the movies or real life, one thing remains the same, superheroes can’t rule supreme wherever they go forever. Good things come to an end, and in the case of Portugal’s talismanic captain, the same applies; he can’t last forever.
At 39 years young, Ronaldo, in the Saudi League, has shown that he still has an eye for the goal. For the cynics amongst you who say, o well, yes, this is Saudi, should note some younger forwards haven’t scored as many as the former Real Madrid man. Neymar JR, once of PSG and Barcelona, is playing in the Saudi League and isn’t fairing as well as him. In Euro 2024, one of the biggest stages in world football, however, CR7 assisted just once in three games and has yet to score.
It begs the question, is the end nigh for Portugal’s most decorated player? Ronaldo has had a successful career on the International stage that has spanned over 20 years. The Al-Nassr forward has won the Nations League and European Championship in 2016 with his country. Maybe Ronaldo will play until the World Cup in the USA (2026), but surely not even he could make the next Euros in ROI and Wales. So the question is who does the Selecao look to replace Ronaldo with? Here are some of the nominees
Joao Felix
Former Chelsea and Barcelona loanee Joao Felix has long been seen as someone replacing the inspirational forward, the 39-year-old CR7. Just like Ronaldo, he too burst onto the scene, which explains why Atletico couldn’t resist splashing out £120 million at the time. The Portuguese player was very young at the time and still very raw. Since then, loan moves to Chelsea have happened, as well as a move temporarily to Camp Nou. Both of the loan moves had shown promise, but neither had shown a permanent move for the young Portuguese.
A move for Felix is what’s needed for his career, especially after his relationship with Diego Simeone is near to non-existent. From potential and the glimpses we have seen from him, Joao Felix can be a replacement for CR7. One should remember, of course, that you can’t get a direct replacement, but the former Benfica man is the closest they will get, as both men are wide-forwards rather than central strikers. I think he should be considered, but there are better alternatives out there.
Goncalo Ramos
That brings me nicely to PSG striker Goncalo Ramos. The young striker came to prominence for scoring a hat-trick in a knockout game, which didn’t see the captain appear in the game until coming on a sub late on. Ramos was in the limelight even if he didn’t want to be. This topic of replacing Ronaldo has been rumbling around in the football world for some time, and Fernando Santos, the European Championship-winning manager, tested the waters to see how Goncalo Ramos would last.
Early doors, it appears the football world has its answer, but a tough season at the Parc de Princes has just gone to show that Goncalo, you have some maturing and developing to do. It must be stated that the three players that I have picked will all need time to adapt.
To replace CR7 is no small feat. Gonaclo had the first go, and he didn’t do too badly.
Andre Silva
The last person on my list is Andre Silva, a well-traveled 28-year-old Portuguese international. Whether it be in Spain, Italy, or his native Portugal, Silva’s goal return has been a decent one. In Germany, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt, Silva scored 28 goals. Admittedly, he is a left-field choice, but what impressed me about the Porto Academy graduate is his all-around play. Ramos is a good all-round striker too, but with Silva, he comes with some experience.
As you can see with the three players that have been listed, they’re arguably not the biggest goal scorers, but they offer something to the team in their own unique way, which has prompted me to compile this list. In the tournament, Portugal’s attacking players have performed admirably.
Do you agree with my list moving forward?
