Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo or Figo? Portugal’s ex-Arsenal star Boa Morte reveals pick
- Cristiano Ronaldo is set for his 11th major international tournament after scoring twice on his 207th Portugal appearance last week
A former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo has given a fresh twist to the debate over whether the Portuguese superstar or arch-rival Lionel Messi rules as the best footballer of the 21st century.
The extraordinary Ronaldo is about to embark on his 11th major tournament at Euro 2024, where Portugal begin their campaign against Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Luis Boa Morte, who played alongside Ronaldo at the 2004 Olympics, said it would be hard for the 39-year-old to be “at the top of his game” in Germany this summer.
The ex-winger also put 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo “top of my list”, when assessing the talents he played alongside for Portugal, Arsenal and Fulham in a 17-year career.
“I played with so many good Portugal players – Rui Costa, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Ronaldo – but my favourite was Figo,” Boa Morte said. “They all have different qualities, but he could do things others couldn’t.”
Boa Morte replaced former Real Madrid forward Figo for his first experience of playing alongside Ronaldo, in a friendly against England back in 2004.
The 46-year-old does not recall that year fondly on a personal note. He was excluded from the Portugal squad that reached its home European Championship final, as Ronaldo made his international tournament debut.
He eventually broke his major finals duck when the Portuguese won Euro 2016, in France, but lost his starting placing during the team’s 2022 World Cup run to the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo, who netted 44 times in 45 appearances for Saudi club Al Nassr in 2023-24, marked his 207th international appearance by scoring his 129th and 130th goals, in a friendly victory over Republic of Ireland last week.
“He was so good already [in 2004], and there was no doubt he was going to be exceptional,” Boa Morte said.
“Age affects everyone, though. It will be difficult for him [at Euros], because he is nearly 40. It is not easy when you are competing against the young talents, with all their power.
“It is normal [for age to reduce powers], and that is OK. He will always score goals … but it will be hard for him to be at the top of his game.”
In 2004, Boa Morte played for Kitchee in a 2-1 friendly victory over the AC Milan of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Andriy Shevchenko.
He was back in Hong Kong as part of the PFA team that won last month’s Masters soccer sevens competition, the third time in five visits Boa Morte has been victorious.
Formerly a coach at Everton, and until last season, Fulham, in the English Premier League, Boa Morte is an advocate for European clubs visiting this part of Asia.
“We are always made so welcome, and these trips give players completely different experiences,” he said. “They are a chance for teammates to reinforce their connection, and to see different fans, and a different culture.”
