Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Platini, Maradona, Cruyff and the messy endings with their countries | OneFootball

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Platini, Maradona, Cruyff and the messy endings with their countries | OneFootball

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·1 October 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Platini, Maradona, Cruyff and the messy endings with their countries

Article image:Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Platini, Maradona, Cruyff and the messy endings with their countries

The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of a turbulent end to his international career. L'Équipe notes that such farewells often prove complicated for football’s giants.

Zidane, Platini, Maradona and Cruyff stand as reminders that a final act with the national team can turn sour.

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For even the greatest, the glow of past triumphs does not guarantee a serene exit.

As Cristiano Ronaldo edges towards that moment, the weight of expectation and scrutiny is unmistakable.

History suggests that goodbyes in national colours are rarely straightforward for icons of the game.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

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