After more than four weeks and 51 football matches, Euro 2024 drew to a close with its total audience again likely to have exceeded five billion live viewers. Europe’s premier international football tournament has certainly retained its global appeal, but its overall report card presents a rather more mixed picture for the continent — of fading glories and harsh realities.

The most recognisable symbol of waning strength has been Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. For years, he has been considered one of the sport’s greatest talents but, at 39, his presence on the pitch is visibly less potent.

Ronaldo’s tears of frustration after missing a penalty against Slovenia were a reminder of what once was but can no longer be — rather like Europe itself, which is struggling to retain its power, influence and relevance.

But while Ronaldo cried (Portugal were ultimately knocked out by France in the quarter-finals), Italy wept. For, if another reflection of European nations losing their way was needed, the chaotic Azzurri provided it.

The battles on and off the pitch during the Uefa European Football Championship 2024 reflect a continent struggling with its own identity

Once the kings of elegance and style, Italy (knocked out by unfancied Switzerland at the last-16 stage) looked bereft of ideas, playing a brand of football that was stilted and lacked dynamism — akin to Europe’s approach to the current stormy economic waters.

And then there was France (beaten by Spain in the semi-final). Just days before the tournament began,........

© Dawn (Magazines)