Portugal's match against Switzerland was in its final stages when a great cry of "Ronaldo" went up from the stands. With 16 minutes to go, the fans got their reward: Joao Felix was taken off - and on came their hero.

It was hardly a moment of glory, though. It was the first time since 2008 that Portugal had named Ronaldo as a substitute in a major game instead of part of the starting eleven. And they had done incredibly well without him: by the time he came on, they were 5-1 up. 

In the words of the BBC's Phil McNulty: "It was all vaguely awkward - even a touch embarrassing - as the fading talismanA lucky charm, or a person that represents and inspires a group. trotted on to make what felt like a personal appearance rather than a meaningful contribution in a World Cup knockout game."

Furthermore, he said, "Portugal looked a more vibrantLively., fluid and threatening side without all their focus trained on the often overpowering presence of Ronaldo".

Ronaldo had started the tournament full of hope. In Portugal's first game, against Ghana, he became the first player to score at five World Cups.

But in Portugal's shock 2-1 defeat by South Korea, he was substituted with 25 minutes to go. His petulantChildish and bad-tempered. reaction was criticised by his manager - and may have been one reason he was dropped for the Swiss match. 

It is a pattern that has become clear over the past couple of years.

In 2018 he joined the Italian club Juventus. But even though he was Serie AThe top Italian professional men's football league.'s top scorer in 2020-2021, Juventus decided to sell him. According to the journalist Raphael Honigstein, this was partly because his wages were so high, but also "because of how little in their mind he is contributing".

In August 2021 he rejoined Manchester United and went on to become the club's top goal scorer for the season. But there were reports of a bad relationship with his team mates and his manager.

Things got worse with the arrival of a new manager, Erik ten Hag. When Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham, Ten Hag dropped him from the squad.

Ronaldo then gave an interview in which he was deeply critical of the manager and the club. As a result, Manchester United ended his contract with them.

Ronaldo's problem, some say, is that he still wants to be seen as the star of any team, even though he is well past his prime.

Yes: It gives us an inflated sense of our own importance, so that instead of giving respect to others and acting as part of a team, we think that everything revolves around us. Ronaldo is guilty of this.

No: Ego is our best friend. You cannot get anywhere in life if you do not have self-belief, which is what ego provides. Ronaldo is right to recognise his own amazing gifts and demand respect for them.

Or... Ronaldo cannot be blamed for having a high opinion of himself. He is one of the best footballers ever, as people have been telling him since he was a teenager, and he lives in a bubble of stardom.

Talisman - A lucky charm, or a person that represents and inspires a group.

Vibrant - Lively.

Petulant - Childish and bad-tempered.

Serie A - The top Italian professional men's football league.