The Cristiano Ronaldo era has been the most successful in Portugal's national football team's history.
Sure, there were plenty of excellent players who represented the country before the Manchester United superstar rose to prominence, including Eusebio, Rui Costa, and Luis Figo.
However, none of those three players were able to bring home a major international title, and Portugal had to wait until 2016 to get their hands on silverware for the first time.
Ronaldo was the driving force behind the country's stunning victory at Euro 2016, and he then helped them win the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2018/19.
There's no denying that Ronaldo is Portugal's best player of all time, especially when you consider that, in addition to significant awards, he's scored 117 goals for his country.
However, the former Juventus and Real Madrid forward is already 37 years old, and the 2022 World Cup will most likely be his final appearance in the famed jersey of his homeland.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in action
LISBON, PORTUGAL – JUNE 05: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal on June 05, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Images/Carlos Rodrigues) )
Now we must consider Portugal's post-Ronaldo future, and it is safe to assume that the next generation of players appears capable of making a significant impression at major events.
The nation's greatest Under-23 XI – valued over £300 million – has been determined by Transfermarkt, and it is filled with quality.
Take a look at it...
The greatest U23 team in Portugal
The finest Under-23 XI in Portugal
Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Diogo Dalot (Man Utd), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Carmo (Braga), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheus Nunes (Sporting Lisbon), Vitinha (FC Porto), Fabio Vieira (FC Porto), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafael Leao (Atletico Madrid) & Rafael Lea (AC Milan)
What. A. Group.
Costa, Inacio, and Carmo all had successful seasons in the Portuguese first flight in 2021-22, while Dalot was one of United's better performances during a disappointing season. Mendes, a full-back who excels at both defending and attacking, was also one of PSG's brightest sparks.
Nunes and Vitinha – who you may recall spent a brief spell at Wolves – are two of the best young midfielders in the world, while Vieira's statistics for Porto last season were staggering. He scored six goals and assisted on 14 others in 27 league appearances.
PORTO, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 17: FC Porto's Fabio Vieira takes part in the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One match between FC Porto and SS Lazio at Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal on February 17, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Images/Octavio Passos)
The Portuguese U23 XI, though, really shines up top.
After an outstanding season with Milan, Leao is without a doubt one of the top left-wingers on the planet. He scored 14 goals and added 12 assists in all competitions. In addition, he was selected Serie A's Most Valuable Player for the 2021/22 season.
Felix's talent is well-known among football fans these days, and Neto, who has just recently recovered from a devastating knee injury, is no exception.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0