What’s in store for Ronaldo after the Qatar World Cup 2022

• Portugal lost 1-0 to Morocco on Saturday.
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future is in jeopardy.
• Ronaldo will likely never win a World Cup.

After Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future is in jeopardy.

Morocco’s historic upset of Portugal on Saturday night in Qatar means Ronaldo, 37, will likely never win a World Cup.

As Morocco’s bench stormed the field in delight, setting Al Thumama Stadium ablaze and sparking celebrations across Africa and the Arab world, the cameras panned to the Portuguese captain.

The contrast was stark.

Ronaldo quickly fled the field and cupped his palm over his face in despair.

He fled the field unaccompanied by teammates, sobbing as he walked to the Portuguese changing room. Almost alone.

Ronaldo hasn’t revealed his plans.

If Qatar is the end, the Portuguese player will have a fantastic career.

Ronaldo’s biggest moment at the tournament was being the only player to score in five World Cups.

Ronaldo has 118 international goals in 196 matches, the most ever. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, four European Golden Shoes, seven league crowns.

In October, he scored his 700th goal for Manchester, another unprecedented feat for a player who started with Real Madrid in 2003.

The 2022 World Cup was a rollercoaster for football’s powerhouse.

Ronaldo was benched in Portugal’s first knockout round 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland — the first time since 2008 — after aggressively reacting to being substituted against South Korea. Later, reports said he threatened to quit the Portuguese World Cup team. Portugal denied them.

Fernando Santos benched Ronaldo on Saturday after Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat trick against Switzerland.

Santos stated he had no remorse about not starting the Portuguese captain again.

“Cristiano is a superb player; we needed him. No regrets.”

Ronaldo wasn’t substituted until the 51st minute. As he hurried onto the field, he swapped the captain’s armband with Pepe and pushed his teammates to press on.

His late-game cameo was jeered at Al Thumama Stadium when Moroccan fans outnumbered the Portuguese. As the final whistle neared, Ronaldo raised his arms to the Portuguese fans.

In the 82nd minute, the Portuguese captain sent up Joo Félix, whose shot was blocked by Morocco’s goalie. Youssef En Nesyri’s game-winning header in the 42nd minute sent Morocco to the World Cup semifinals.

As a devastated Ronaldo headed for the locker room, his teammates waited on the field to greet Portuguese fans.

Portugal hasn’t gone past the final 16 since finishing fourth at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. 1966’s Seleço das Quinas placed third. Never won World Cup.

Ronaldo leaves Qatar without a knockout-round goal and faces an unclear club future.

Ronaldo was sacked by Manchester United “immediately” after he criticized manager Erik ten Hag in an interview days before the World Cup.

Ronaldo has survived on- and off-field scandals for 20 years, but he may be approaching his roughest phase.

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