William Gallas has begrudgingly named Cristian Ronaldo the biggest flop at Euro 2024.
Ronaldo failed to score at the tournament despite playing nearly every minute for Portugal, who advanced to the quarter-finals amid their icon's goal drought.
The 39-year-old appeared behind the pace for much of the tournament, leading Gallas to bestow the unenviable label on Ronaldo's shoulders.
Speaking to Lord Ping, Gallas stressed that he still admires the five-time Ballon d'Or winner despite his performances this summer.
"I’m going to get in trouble for saying this, and before I do, I have to state that this is a player who I completely respect," Gallas said. "For his last Euro I wanted Ronaldo to shine in this competition because he deserves it after what he has done in football and for the example he has set for the younger players. Unfortunately, this time, it didn’t happen for him.
"Listen, I love him as a professional. I love his attitude and his desire. I love what he has achieved in his career, so it’s really difficult for me to label him the biggest flop at Euro 2024, but the performances just haven’t been there.
"It's difficult for me to single him out. Everybody will say he's 39, but I think football fans from around the world expected more from him at this tournament. We wanted to see him do something special at his last Euros, and it would have been a brilliant story and a brilliant way to celebrate his legendary career. Unfortunately, he didn't score one goal and it looked like he was playing with too much pressure on his shoulders. In the end, it was really hard for him.
"He wasn’t the only star that didn’t shine brightly at this tournament. [Kylian] Mbappe hasn’t performed. Harry Kane hasn’t been at his best."
Live on DAZN: Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan on July 13. Click here for details.