The Indo Daily: Cristiano Ronaldo - The "god complex" and the cult of personality

As EURO 2024 hits its final stages, Cristiano Ronaldo has overshadowed much of the tournament. With pitch invasions, selfie attempts and an emotional outburst felt around the world, has Ronaldo become too famous for football? And why are people so obsessed with him?

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - JULY 01: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected as he is consoled by teammates ahead of the second half of extra-time during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at Frankfurt Arena on July 01, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It’s crunch time for EURO 2024 and the world is watching, with some of the biggest names in football vying for victory.

One such figure is arguably bigger than the teams competing, and perhaps even the sport itself – Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Still chasing goals and glory at the age of 39, Ronaldo is one of the most well-known people on the planet, but is his increasing celebrity status causing problems for the beautiful game?

With multiple pitch invasions and emotional reactions overshadowing matches and results, the overwhelming cult of personality that is Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have spiralled out of control.

How has it gotten to this point? What role does social media play in the Ronaldo phenomenon? And what of his numerous legal issues and their impact on his legacy?

On this episode of the Indo Daily, host Denise Calnan is joined by Daniel McDonnell, Football Correspondent with the Irish Independent, and Dave Hanratty, also of the Irish Independent, to look at the "god complex" that drives Ronaldo and to ask – why are people so obsessed with his every move?