Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said after their team’s defeat to France at Euro 2024 that “no individual decisions have been made” about Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe’s future with the national team.
Both players have been regulars for Portugal throughout the tournament, with the 39-year-old Ronaldo playing every game in both the penalty shootout win over Slovenia in the round of 16 and the quarter-final loss to France.
Pepe made history at the tournament, becoming, at 41, the oldest player in the history of the European Championships.
The pair shared a long embrace on the pitch after Friday’s defeat, with Pepe in tears as Ronaldo consoled him.
“His tears are an expression of his regret,” Martinez said. “Pepe is a role model for Portuguese football. What he achieved tonight and in this tournament will be spoken about for generations to come.”
Asked if this would be the pair’s final appearance for Portugal, Martinez replied: “No. It’s all still inexperienced. We haven’t recovered from the defeat yet.”
“No individual decisions have been made at this time.”
More shots than any other player but no goals
Ronaldo has endured a difficult tournament, failing to score a single goal in his five appearances and with his place in the team constantly under question.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was left in tears after missing a penalty in extra time against Slovenia, but made up for it by scoring in the shootout as Portugal progressed.
However, he again showed signs of frustration during the defeat to France and there are now doubts as to whether he will play for his country again.
“They probably know that it’s over with the national team, where do they go from here?” former Portugal defender Jose Fonte told BBC Sport.
“They have done a lot and achieved a lot for Portugal and sometimes you need to give up your place to younger players who are developing and let them show their talent.”
Ronaldo’s performance at Euro 2024 has not been great.
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This will be the first time Ronaldo has failed to score in a major international match and Euro 2024 will mark the 11th time.
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He has not scored from open play in a major tournament since the group stage of the last Euros in 2021.
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He took 23 shots in Portugal’s five matches at Euro 2024 – more than any other player – but failed to score.
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His expected goals rating through all five games is 0.692.
Despite his struggles in front of goal, manager Martinez resisted the urge to drop him to the bench.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton said Martinez was “obsessed” with Ronaldo and was showing a “lack of imagination” by keeping him in the team.
“Ronaldo is leading the team and Martinez isn’t leading when he has options like when he’s on the bench. He’s hindering the team,” Sutton said.
Danny Murphy added: “It seems absurd at times to keep Ronaldo playing when he’s not making any impact.”
