Playing for Portugal was ego-stroking for Ronaldo, which is why he couldn't let go

Van der Vaart and Boulahrouz reflect on Ronaldo's international retirement, recalling three tournament meetings including the infamous 2006 Battle of Nuremberg.

Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to end his Portugal career at 41 is a wise one, according to former Netherlands internationals Rafael van der Vaart and Khalid Boulahrouz, who faced him multiple times at major tournaments.

Van der Vaart, who also played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, encountered him three times at finals tournaments. Their first meeting was the Euro 2004 semi-final, where the teenage Ronaldo impressed with a powerful header to help Portugal reach the final, though they lost to Greece. The second clash came at the 2006 World Cup in the notorious "Battle of Nuremberg," a chaotic match featuring 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards. Boulahrouz, who marked Ronaldo closely that day, recalled the winger's transition from a tricky dribbler to a genuine goalscorer, and how he had to stay alert throughout. After 30 minutes, Boulahrouz's challenge left Ronaldo injured and forced him off the pitch emotionally.

Their third meeting was Euro 2012, where Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's victory despite Van der Vaart opening the scoring. Boulahrouz believes Ronaldo's long international career was partly driven by ego—the passion, the media attention, and the adulation that came with playing for Portugal. "Playing for Portugal was his way of stroking his ego," Boulahrouz said, suggesting that emotional attachment made it hard for Ronaldo to let go.