Cristiano Ronaldo goes scoreless in the group stage for the first time

The Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo concluded the group stage of a major competition without scoring a goal for the first time, remaining goalless in the first three games of Euro 2024.

Since his debut in Euro 2004, Ronaldo, currently 39 years old, had always scored in the group stage in all 11 final tournaments, specifically in five editions of the World Cup, five of the European Championship, and one of the Confederations Cup.

The specialty of the current Al Nassr player has always been the group stages, in which he scored 21 of his 24 goals in final tournaments, which corresponds to 87.5%, with only three goals – all in European Championships – in knockout matches (12.5%).

Ronaldo has played more games in group stages, totaling 34, compared to 20 in knockout stages. However, his average in the first three matches of the competitions is much higher – 0.62 goals per game compared to 0.15.

At just 19 years old, the then Manchester United player scored right in his debut in a group stage match against Greece, in the opening game of Euro 2004. However, his header, following a corner from Figo, did not prevent the defeat (1-2).

In Euro 2004, he didn't score in the remaining group stage games, but he did score one of his three knockout stage goals, again with a header from a corner, this time in the semifinals against the Netherlands (2-1).

Two years later, in the 2006 World Cup, he only scored in the second game, against Iran (2-0), from a penalty, and in Euro 2008, he also only scored in the second match, against the Czech Republic (3-1).

In the 2010 World Cup, he also managed just one goal, a peculiar one, Portugal's sixth in their 7-0 win over North Korea, also in the second game. In Euro 2012, he scored twice against the Netherlands (2-1) in the third game.

Continuing his impressive form, Ronaldo found the net again in the 2014 World Cup group stage, scoring a crucial goal against Ghana (2-1) that ensured Portugal's victory, although they did not progress past the group stage. In Euro 2016, he scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Hungary, helping Portugal to advance to the knockout stages, where they ultimately won the tournament.

In the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo began with a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Spain and followed it with a winning goal against Morocco (1-0), once again proving his knack for crucial goals in the group stage.

In Euro 2020, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ronaldo was once again pivotal, scoring twice in Portugal's opening win against Hungary (3-0) and adding two more in a 2-2 draw with France, finishing as the tournament's top scorer despite Portugal's exit in the round of 16.

Despite his consistent performance in the early stages of major tournaments, Ronaldo's inability to score in the Euro 2024 group stage marks a significant moment in his illustrious career. Fans and analysts alike are now speculating on what this means for the future of the legendary player, who has always been known for his goal-scoring prowess and clutch performances in crucial matches.

Ronaldo's legacy, however, remains intact, with his records and achievements standing as a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport. As he moves forward, both his supporters and critics will be keenly watching his next steps, wondering if he will return to his goal-scoring ways in future competitions or if this marks the beginning of the end for one of football's greatest icons.