Media agenda on Ronaldo not a ‘Myth’

He who wears the crown they say must be ready to bear the brunt of it, but in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, it has become not only the crown that weighs on him but the spotlight.

As Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, the spotlight once again fell on Cristiano Ronaldo. While the team celebrated a dramatic victory over Slovenia in a penalty shootout, the narrative was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s missed penalty and emotional reaction.

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This is just the latest example of the intense media scrutiny that follows the football superstar’s every move, raising questions about whether there is an undue agenda against him.

Ronaldo’s missed penalty in extra time against Slovenia, followed by his emotional response, was immediately seized upon by the media. Despite Portugal’s victory and his crucial role in the shootout, the focus remained on his struggles and perceived decline.

This pattern of reporting highlights a broader trend where Ronaldo’s missteps are magnified, and his achievements are often downplayed or framed within the context of his failures.

The veteran striker, who at 39 is still competing at the highest level, faced criticism for his lack of goals at Euro 2024. Headlines emphasized his failure to score in the group stages and his frustration on the field. Yet, this criticism overlooks the broader context of his career and contributions to his national team.

Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first player to feature in six European Championships, and his leadership and presence on the pitch remain invaluable to Portugal.

Moreover, the media’s fixation on Ronaldo’s age and recent performances often disregards the achievements of older athletes in other sports. The narrative that he should perhaps step aside ignores the realities of his continued physical fitness and skill, as well as the inspirational role he plays for younger teammates and fans.

The portrayal of his tears after the missed penalty as a sign of weakness fails to recognize the immense pressure and emotional investment of a player who has dedicated nearly two decades to the sport.

Diogo Costa’s heroics in the penalty shootout, which ultimately secured Portugal’s victory, were a testament to the team’s resilience and collective effort.

However, the media’s narrative quickly shifted back to Ronaldo, creating a dichotomy where his individual struggles overshadowed the team’s success. This selective focus can distort public perception, reducing a complex, team-oriented sport to a series of individual moments.

The intense scrutiny Ronaldo faces can be attributed in part to his global fame and the high standards he has set throughout his career. However, the media’s tendency to sensationalize his every move, from missed goals to emotional displays, suggests a deeper agenda.

This coverage often borders on invasive, placing an unfair burden on Ronaldo to constantly prove himself and overshadowing the achievements of his teammates.