EURO 2024 has been exciting and intriguing in equal measure, and while several players have performed brilliantly, a few superstars have been underwhelming.
Among the triumphs and surprises, there were also some crushing disappointments at EURO 2024 so far.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nasse superstar and Portugal captain, had one of the most underwhelming tournaments of his illustrious career.
Despite his impressive international goalscoring record, the 39-year-old failed to score a single goal at EURO 2024, a first for him in a major tournament.
Portugal's quarterfinal exit at the hands of France was a bitter pill to swallow, and Ronaldo's inability to inspire his team to victory was a major factor in their downfall.
The question remains; is it time for Portugal's number 7 to retire from the national team?
2. France and Kylian Mbappe's Underwhelming Performance
France were expected to make a deep run in the tournament, with many people backing them to win the whole thing, in large part due to the presence of Kylian Mbape.
However, they failed to live up to expectations, struggling to find their footing in the group stages and ultimately crashing out of the tournament in the semifinals against Spain.
Mbappe, one of the most feared attackers in the world, had a disappointing tournament, scoring just one goal in five appearances.
10:36 - 10.07.2024
Lamine Yamal: Can the 16-year old superstar really win the Ballon d’Or?
Ronaldo Nazario won the Ballon d'Or at just 21 but Lamine Yamal is threatening to smash that record and leave other legends behind.
3. Belgium's Golden Generation Ends
At this point, its safe to stop expecting too much from Belgium, no matter what the FIFA ranking says.
Until their run to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal, they had not appeared in a major tournament for 12 years. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Jan Vertonghen ae all retired, about to retire or past their best.
They exited in the second round against France and never showed much promise all tournament. The golden generation is truly over.
Related content
11:21 - 10.07.2024
Mbappe: Ex-France defender cites 3 sources of frustration after Real Madrid forward’s disappointing Euro 2024
The marksman failed to score from open play throughout France's Euro 2024 campaign which ended in semi-final disappointment against Spain.
22:45 - 09.07.2024
Euro 2024 : Yamal, Olmo masterclass carry Spain past France
Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo's combined efforts saw Spain recover from an early slump to beat France and seal a place in the Euro 2024 final.
17:08 - 09.07.2024
I want Spain vs Netherlands final — France legend betrays his country
Former France footballer wants Spain and Netherlands to advance past France and England respectfully.