Cristiano Ronaldo's poor performance in Portugal's 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2026 World Cup has reignited debates about his role in the team. The 41-year-old striker managed only 25 touches and failed to register a single shot on target, yet manager Roberto Martinez kept him on the pitch as Portugal sought a winner.
Ronaldo's Display Raises Questions
World Cup 2026 has only just begun, yet the Portuguese national team finds itself consumed by a familiar issue. Portugal's frustrating draw in their Group K opener laid bare a glaring Ronaldo-shaped problem. By any objective measure, the captain's display was substandard. He appeared detached from proceedings, and as time ebbed away, Martinez chose not to withdraw his struggling captain.
This inertia is hardly surprising given the damaging precedent set in 2022. During the World Cup in Qatar, then-manager Fernando Santos benched an out-of-sorts Ronaldo throughout the knockout rounds. The tactical gamble was immediately validated when replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick against Switzerland. However, the decision exacted a devastating personal toll.
The 2022 Fallout
Ronaldo's ego was left in tatters, and his relationship with Santos disintegrated instantly. The pettiness of the falling-out became glaringly apparent when Santos was dismissed after Portugal's stunning defeat to Morocco in the quarter-finals. While the rest of the squad posted heartfelt tributes to their Euro 2016-winning coach, Ronaldo responded with icy silence, entirely blanking his former boss.
That acrimonious snub serves as a stark warning to Martinez. It encapsulates the quandary he and Portugal now face. Martinez and Ronaldo are enduring criticism after the World Cup opener.
Thierry Henry's Criticism
Speaking on Fox Sports, former France striker Thierry Henry delivered a withering analysis of a second-half incident where Ronaldo's personal ambitions destroyed a chance for Bruno Fernandes. Henry declared bluntly that 'the team needs to score, not you need to score,' highlighting how Ronaldo ran into Fernandes' path due to his desperation to get on the scoresheet.
Chris Sutton's Attack on Martinez
Commentator Chris Sutton launched a scathing attack on Martinez's lack of authority. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton labelled the manager 'embarrassingly weak' and argued he is too 'scared' of upsetting his captain. Sutton pointed out that while Ronaldo is iconic, he has effectively assumed control of the dressing room due to Martinez's inability to take a firm grip.
This leaves Portugal in a no-win situation. By indulging a legend who disrupts the team's fluidity, Martinez shackles a gifted squad considered genuine World Cup contenders. Yet by axing him, Martinez risks triggering the same cold-shoulder treatment that cost Santos his job.
