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Roberto Martinez’s lack of authority is proving costly for Portugal at Euro 2024, as his unwavering deference to Cristiano Ronaldo continues to harm the team’s prospects in Germany.

While Martinez may not be a tactical genius, he certainly knows how to divert attention. On Monday night, the Spanish coach once again shifted the narrative toward Ronaldo’s supposed resilience, conveniently drawing focus away from the team’s unimpressive display before their penalty shootout victory over Slovenia.

Many pundits and fans fell for it. Martinez praised Ronaldo’s courage in stepping up for the first penalty after missing one in extra time, calling him an “example” to his teammates and insisting that the entire country was proud of its captain’s bravery.

Former England striker Alan Shearer echoed the sentiment on BBC One, saying, “Unbelievable! This is why they are great players – because they have great mental strength.” But in reality, what unfolded in Frankfurt was not a show of strength, but rather a demonstration of weakness – and it wasn’t Ronaldo’s alone.

Martinez’s eagerness to highlight Ronaldo’s emotional comeback in his post-match comments was a deliberate ploy to distract from his own shortcomings. It was far more convenient for the coach to have the media discussing his captain’s courage than his own lack of conviction.

When Ronaldo broke down in tears after missing his penalty, social media erupted – predictably so, given the polarised opinions around him. Yet Martinez portrayed those tears as a touching display of patriotism and team spirit.

“Those emotions are incredible for someone who has won everything and seen everything,” Martinez said. “He doesn’t need to care that much, and that’s why I thank him for how he is – for caring about the group.”

But this was mere spin. It wasn’t a story of selfless leadership, but a cautionary example of unchecked indulgence. Ronaldo’s display over 105 minutes had already shown that his personal ambitions outweighed the team’s objectives.

From the outset in Frankfurt, it was evident that Ronaldo’s focus was on ending his goalscoring drought rather than helping Portugal win. His attempts to score became increasingly desperate, turning the match into a one-man showcase. On several occasions, he ignored better-placed teammates like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in favour of forcing shots from improbable angles.

By making the round-of-16 clash all about himself, Ronaldo heaped unnecessary pressure on his own shoulders – and eventually cracked. It was stunning to see such a seasoned competitor falter, but perhaps inevitable given the circumstances. The man who once embodied the spirit of persistence – the boy from Madeira who became football’s ultimate goalscorer – was visibly struggling to accept his decline.

As the match wore on, Ronaldo’s frustration grew. Each missed chance brought more exaggerated gestures – arms flung skyward in protest, appeals to referees and even to fate itself. It was both captivating and tragic: a legend battling the inevitable passage of time in front of millions.

Yet Ronaldo’s meltdown wasn’t entirely his fault. As BBC Radio Five Live’s Pat Nevin noted, “He’s missed a penalty; he shouldn’t be crying.” Those tears were a clear sign of deeper strain – a man unable to reconcile his fading powers with his self-image. And this is precisely where Martinez has failed both Ronaldo and Portugal.

After Portugal’s disappointing World Cup in Qatar, the team needed a strong-willed coach to guide a new era. Instead, they got Martinez – a compliant manager seemingly content to let Ronaldo dictate terms. While it’s understandable that few would want to challenge a global icon, Martinez’s job was to lead Portugal to glory, not to preserve Ronaldo’s status.

By continuing to prioritise his star player, Martinez has jeopardised his team’s success. The sad part is that it didn’t have to be this way. The coach had the perfect opportunity to transition away from the Ronaldo era after the 2022 World Cup, building a new team around dynamic talents like Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota, and Goncalo Ramos. Evidence of Ronaldo’s decline was already clear in Qatar, and his dominance over the narrative had become a distraction for the squad.

Now, history is repeating itself. Ronaldo remains the central story in Portugal’s camp – and Martinez has only himself to blame.

Even so, the coach could have mitigated matters by resting the 39-year-old forward against Georgia. Instead, he made the same mistake as Fernando Santos two years ago, starting a fatigued Ronaldo once more. The predictable result was another goalless outing, amplifying the pressure ahead of the clash with Slovenia. When Jan Oblak saved his penalty, Ronaldo’s emotional breakdown was almost inevitable. Later, he admitted to feeling like he had hit “rock bottom”, realising that he was no longer carrying his teammates – they were carrying him.

Despite this, Ronaldo will almost certainly start again against France. Martinez has backed himself into a corner and must now hope that his gamble pays off. Perhaps Ronaldo will rediscover his finishing touch, or perhaps his teammates – Leao, Bruno, or Bernardo Silva – will create the perfect chance for him. But regardless of what happens, one fact remains: Ronaldo’s continued presence is proving more of a hindrance than a help.

He has taken more shots than any other player in Germany yet has failed to score. Any other striker would have been dropped by now – and any other coach would have had the courage to make that call. At this stage, this isn’t a question of bravery but of common sense and collective good. Martinez’s refusal to act otherwise is letting Portugal down.