Introduction

On July 10th, 2016, the world watched as Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star player, suffered a heartbreaking injury during the Euro 2016 final against France. The injury not only forced him off the pitch, but also dashed Portugal's hopes of winning the championship for the second consecutive time. In this article, we explore the details of Ronaldo's injury and its impact on the game and the player's career.

The Injury

Ronaldo's injury occurred just 25 minutes into the final match. He collided with French midfielder Dimitri Payet and immediately fell to the ground. After receiving medical attention on the field, Ronaldo attempted to continue playing, but it became evident that he could not continue. The Portuguese captain was seen in tears as he was being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, realizing that his dream of leading his team to victory was shattered.

The Diagnosis

The extent of Ronaldo's injury was not immediately known. However, it was later revealed that he suffered a sprained knee ligament, which would keep him out of the game for a lengthy period. The injury also caused him to miss important games for his club, Real Madrid.

The Impact on the Game

Ronaldo's injury dealt a major blow to Portugal's chances of winning the Euro 2016 final. The team was already without key defender Pepe due to suspension, and the loss of their captain and best player made an already challenging game even more difficult. However, Portugal managed to hold on and draw the game 0-0 after 120 minutes, before winning 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Eder. The win was Portugal's first major championship, but many feel that it would have been impossible without Ronaldo's contributions leading up to the final.

The Impact on Ronaldo's Career

Ronaldo's injury not only affected Portugal's chances of success but also had a significant impact on his own career. The injury forced him out of the game for three months, causing him to miss the start of the 2016-17 La Liga season. He also missed the chance to play in the 2016 Supercopa de Espa?a and the UEFA Super Cup. However, he managed to recover in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in December, where he led his team to victory.

The injury also highlighted Ronaldo's physical vulnerability despite his extraordinary ability on the football pitch. At the age of 31, he was no longer in his prime but was still considered one of the best players in the world. The injury forced him to re-evaluate his physical fitness and make changes to his training regime to prevent future injuries.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo's injury during the Euro 2016 final was a devastating blow to both him and Portugal. While the team ultimately came out on top, it was clear that the loss of their captain and best player had a significant impact on the game. Ronaldo's injury also had a lasting impact on his career, forcing him to miss important games and causing him to re-evaluate his physical fitness. However, his determination and resilience allowed him to recover and continue to perform at the highest level, cementing his place as one of football's greatest players of all time.