Joao Cardoso, Portugal's chief marketing and commercial officer, speaks to The Athletic about a future without their star on the pitch

After nearly two decades of World Cup aspirations, Cristiano Ronaldo's journey ends in tears as Portugal exits the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy goes beyond a missing World Cup, redefining a nation’s football history with records, trophies and lasting inspiration.

Joao Cardoso, Portugal's chief marketing and commercial officer, speaks to The Athletic about a future without their star on the pitch

Portugal hasn’t been to a World Cup without Ronaldo since 2002.