Cristiano Ronaldo: 6 games that defined the Real Madrid superstar's career

5. Portugal vs Greece – Final, Euro 2004

To be completely honest, Ronaldo wasn’t even the best young player in the tournament – that honour went to his younger Manchester United teammate, Wayne Rooney, who was utterly electric, and nigh on unplayable till that unfortunate injury – but it was the tournament that matured him as a player, and as a man. Playing alongside the great Golden Generation of Portugal, Luis Figo and Rui Costa giving it one final go, he epitomised Portugal’s tournament. Flashy, entertaining and undoubtedly brilliant for the course of the tournament – till they reached the final.

He scored his first international goal in the opener, a thumping header against Greece (although in defeat), and continued his good from throughout... scoring the opener as the hosts beat Netherlands 2-1 in a stunning semifinal.

And then the final happened. Ronaldo had a frustrating game – and although littered with moments of creative genius, and although he played the fully ninety with a commitment that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, he couldn’t alter the result... even missing a glorious one-on-one opportunity at the fag end of the match.

Those tears that streamed down his face were to define a decade and more of pain, agony and heartbreak as he gradually took over the burden of Portugal’s never-ending expectations from the shoulders of the Golden Generation all by his lonesome.