2010 Portugal Home – Cristiano Ronaldo #7 XL

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa, was a defining tournament for Portugal, as they entered the competition under high expectations but ultimately fell short of their attacking potential. Managed by Carlos Queiroz, the Seleção das Quinas featured a talented generation headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo, who captained his country for the first time at a major tournament.

Portugal were drawn in Group G, the so-called “Group of Death,” alongside Brazil, Ivory Coast, and North Korea. The campaign began cautiously with a 0–0 draw against Ivory Coast, followed by an explosive 7–0 demolition of North Korea, the nation’s biggest-ever World Cup win. Ronaldo ended a 16-month international goal drought in that match, scoring the sixth goal in typically dramatic fashion — a calm finish after a deflection left him juggling the ball onto his shoulder before slotting home. Their final group game, a tense 0–0 draw with Brazil, secured progression to the knockout rounds without conceding a single goal.

In the Round of 16, Portugal faced eventual champions Spain, where they were eliminated 1–0 courtesy of a David Villa goal. While Portugal’s defense remained solid, their attack — despite Ronaldo’s efforts — struggled for cohesion. The team’s conservative tactics and emphasis on counter-attacks limited Ronaldo’s involvement in dangerous positions. Nevertheless, Portugal left the tournament respected for their discipline and defensive structure, conceding only one goal in four matches.

The 2010 Portugal home kit, designed by Nike, was a strikingly clean and patriotic design. The shirt featured the traditional deep red base with a horizontal green chest band, a subtle tribute to the Portuguese flag. Minimalist gold accents and a refined crew collar completed one of Portugal’s most elegant kits of the modern era. The simplicity of the design, paired with its symbolic use of national colors, made it an instant classic — and forever tied to Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise as Portugal’s undisputed leader.

2. Player’s Impact – Cristiano Ronaldo

At just 25 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo captained Portugal for the first time in a World Cup — a symbolic moment marking the beginning of his transformation from global superstar to national leader. Coming off a strong debut season with Real Madrid, Ronaldo entered the tournament in superb form and carried the weight of expectation for a nation looking to build on their Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup success.

Throughout the tournament, Ronaldo’s performances were characterized by intensity, discipline, and flashes of brilliance constrained by Queiroz’s rigid system. He made 4 appearances, scoring 1 goal (against North Korea), but remained a constant attacking threat, completing the second-most dribbles per game in the tournament behind Lionel Messi. In the goalless draws against Ivory Coast and Brazil, Ronaldo’s long-range shooting and bursts down the flank stood out, though he often found himself isolated due to the team’s defensive setup.

Despite limited service, Ronaldo’s leadership qualities began to shine. He led by example, pressing tirelessly and shouldering the creative burden for an attack that lacked a natural striker. His moments of brilliance — such as his stunning long-range effort that struck the post against Brazil — hinted at what was to come in future tournaments. The frustration was visible, but so too was his determination; this World Cup became a turning point in his evolution from prodigy to captain — the foundation of the leader who would later guide Portugal to their Euro 2016 triumph.

In retrospect, 2010 was less about statistics and more about transformation. It was the tournament where Ronaldo proved he could carry the armband, command respect, and represent Portugal’s identity with pride and fire.

3. Full Squad List (Portugal – 2010 World Cup, South Africa)

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Goalkeepers:
Eduardo, Beto, Daniel Fernandes

Defenders:
Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira, Fábio Coentrão, Miguel, Ricardo Costa, Rolando

Midfielders:
Deco, Tiago, Raul Meireles, Pedro Mendes, Miguel Veloso, Simão Sabrosa, Danny, Duda

Forwards:
Cristiano Ronaldo (captain), Hugo Almeida, Liedson, Nani