Portugal's Ronaldo Debate: Discussion About the 41-Year-Old's Role Ahead of Round-of-16 Clash Against Spain

Record and statistics

Martínez backed up his stance with a statistic: Under his management, Ronaldo had scored 25 goals in 31 games before the tournament in North America began. In the 2-1 win against Croatia, which secured Portugal's place in the round of 16, Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot but was then substituted. The decisive goal was scored by Gonçalo Ramos, who had already caught the eye at the 2022 World Cup with a hat-trick against Switzerland, when then-coach Fernando Santos had left Ronaldo on the bench for long stretches. Portugal won that match 6-1.

At the current tournament, Ronaldo set a record: With his eleventh World Cup goal for Portugal, he surpassed Eusébio — who led Portugal to third place at the 1966 World Cup — as the country's all-time record scorer. The Al-Nassr FC captain also scored for the first time in a knockout stage of a World Cup. Critics, however, point to two results without the superstar: The biggest wins in Portuguese international history — 9-0 against Luxembourg in September 2023 and 9-1 against Armenia in November 2025 — came without Ronaldo.

Criticism from Figo and Simoes

Among the prominent critics is Portuguese icon Luis Figo. „It is obvious that some players do not want Cristiano Ronaldo in the team. Perhaps they think he holds them back," said the 2006 world champion. At the same time, he demanded respect for his former teammate: „When Cristiano was first called up to the national team, he respected all the older players. With today's lads, it's different. But what have they achieved? Nothing." Figo sees Ronaldo as the sole reason Portugal could win the title at this World Cup.

Even sharper was the criticism from António Simoes, who was part of the Portuguese 1966 World Cup squad. The 82-year-old said: „He is not playing to win. He is playing to be the main character" — and added: „Understand that is the opposite of Eusebio?" He was referring to the legendary generation around Eusébio that finished third in 1966.

Supporters cite the 41-year-old's individual class and leadership qualities. „I have nothing against him, but one should call things by their name," is a refrain in the debate. Martínez chose clear words, pointing to Ronaldo's exceptional record under his management. The matches prove little, but they fuel the debate over what this highly talented Portuguese side could achieve without its world star.

Generational question in the squad

That the squad is quality-laden is evident from the club achievements of many of its members. Bruno Fernandes (31) wears the captain's armband at Manchester United; goalkeeper Diogo Costa (26) captains Portuguese champions FC Porto; Vitinha (26) and João Neves (21) have won the Champions League twice with Paris Saint-Germain; and Rúben Dias (29) won it once with Manchester City. Rafael Leão (27) also plays a leading role at his club. These players shoulder considerably bigger roles at their clubs than in the presence of „CR7."

Whether the Spaniards will face a highly motivated or unsettled Ronaldo in the round of 16 remains to be seen. What is certain is that the debate over his role will follow Portugal beyond the tournament — and the result against Spain is likely to influence the arguments on both sides.

Martínez left open whether Ronaldo will start the round-of-16 match. What is clear is that the game against the European champions will carry decisive significance for Portugal's entire generational question.