Ronaldo absence in UCL: Cristiano Ronaldo is a term synonymous to not only football fans but also the European UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese is the leading goal-scorer and assist maker of the competition during his time in Europe.
But in 2023, the ex-Manchester United striker will be absent from the Champions League given his move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia last year.
In his interview for the Saudi club, Ronaldo said that his journey was over in Europe and that he did not have anything to prove to others.
As he made the move to Saudi, it marked an apparent end to his Europe’s stint which lasted since the start of his career till 2022.
We let you in on 3 reasons why UEFA Champions League will feel the absence of Ronaldo
Unmatched record in UCL knockouts
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo scores four for Al Nassr to cross 500 career club goals mark
Ronaldo has been the wrecker in chief for many teams in the competition particularly during the knockout stage of the competition.
67 goals and 15 assists in 85 appearances shows exactly why he was and remains the man for the big moments.
No one can forget his comeback hat-trick for Juventus after the Italian side trailed 2-0 from the 1st leg clash vs Atletico Madrid in the 2019-20 season.
🇵🇹Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing comeback vs Atletico Madrid.
The only person to knockout AND score a hat-trick vs Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. pic.twitter.com/tSwxV4ZO0g
— All Things Cristiano (@CristianoTalk) December 23, 2022
Such big moments are delivered by the big players in pressure moments and Ronaldo is known for just that.
Given his absence this time, the UCL will feel the pinch of not having the competition’s most valuable player.
No competition to Messi
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2022: 3 Records that Messi might target in Ronaldo’s absence
Ronaldo’s absence means Messi remains the frontrunner to break the Portuguese’s records in the competition.
With Messi and Ronaldo being the best in the competition, one’s absence gives Messi that added edge to break the records and become the all-time holder.
New record for Messi 🔝#UCL pic.twitter.com/Bknf9PIBmo
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 15, 2022
Messi is 2nd behind Ronaldo in goals and assists; now with the latter’s absence Messi could be the lone person creating history.
Emotional connect
Ronaldo is the emotional connect whenever the Champions League competition or even anthem pops up.
He has been a part of the competition and made an emotional connect with the fans of the competition.
His absence could well make the next stage of the 2022-23 season not create much of enthusiasm as his presence would.
Cristiano Ronaldo back then. Now 38 🥳#UCL pic.twitter.com/uEIMOKYreF
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 5, 2023
Since United failed to qualify last season to the event, where Ronaldo last played; there has been a dip in terms of engagement between the fans.
The Portuguese created moments and drove millions of fans towards grounds for UCL matches. But now with him not playing in Europe, it’s an emotional loss for the football fans.
