Cristiano Ronaldo has been a world-class player for well over a decade. However, his latest international performances have been heavily discussed due to his lack of input in the team - apart from scoring goals.
There are calls for him to step aside from the starting line-up.
From the time Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in a FIFA World Cup match, all eyes were on a Group K match that was to happen between Portugal and DR Congo hours later. One man was at the centre of attention - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Throughout their career, the two football greats have always been judged against one another. Now, with Messi starting with a hat-trick, how would Cristiano Ronaldo respond? Ronaldo finished the match with 25 touches; attempting three shots without hitting the target and winning just one duel. This underlines how effectively he was contained by the DR Congo defence, according to ESPN FC's X handle.
It was also one of the lowest-involvement games of his World Cup career, marking the second-fewest touches he has ever recorded in a World Cup start, highlighting his limited influence in Portugal's attacking play.
Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fire after Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Former England striker, Jay Bothroyd, claimed the veteran forward is becoming a burden on the team; while Roberto Martinez continues to back his captain despite growing scrutiny.
It would have been unthinkable at the start of the 2022 World Cup to suggest Cristiano Ronaldo was anything other than the undisputed leader of the Portugal team.
The Qatar edition went poorly for Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer. After scoring just once, from the penalty spot, in the group stage; he reacted angrily to being subbed off against South Korea and was promptly dropped to the bench for his team's first knockout-stage match against Switzerland.
Now, in the build-up to what may be Ronaldo’s World Cup swansong, concerns over what the 41-year-old can still bring to the national team are at the forefront of many fans’ minds.
"I think in some instances they play better without him," fan, Zach Mallias, said at the team’s first open World Cup practice at its Florida base camp. "There are other players that fit the system better."
Other fans are worried about the superstar’s ego and whether he would accept relinquishing the spotlight for the good o
"He’s a very big player, he’s very loved by a lot of his fans," Beatrice Mitankin said. "It might get to his head"
Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign began with a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston. Joao Neves gave Roberto Martinez's side an early lead but Yoane Wissa equalised before half-time to earn the African nation a share of the points.
The result leaves Portugal under pressure in Group K, with tougher challenges still to come. The draw also reignited debate over Ronaldo's role in the team after the captain struggled to influence proceedings. The Al-Nassr forward, appearing at a record-extending sixth World Cup, failed to register a shot on target and missed two clear chances as Portugal were unable to find a winner.
Former England striker Bothroyd delivered a strong assessment of Ronaldo's display while speaking on Sky Sports. He argued that Portugal would benefit if the veteran accepted a place on the bench and was used as an impact substitute.
"Have to be honest, I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player," Bothroyd said. "Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don’t think he is. And that’s my point."
Bothroyd also questioned Ronaldo's continued pursuit of comparisons with Lionel Messi and suggested it was affecting Portugal's collective balance.
"I look at Ronaldo and… the Ronaldo faithful are going to hate me today, but it looks like it’s all about him, yeah? You know, and he’s always chasing Messi all the time," he added. "He’s never going to be Messi, but what he has throughout his career, he’s made the absolute most out of his career… But right now he’s becoming more of a hindrance for Portugal than help, and I think that’s where Martinez is going wrong."
Despite criticism from outside the camp, Martinez has shown no sign of changing course. The Portugal boss defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch against DR Congo and stressed the importance of the forward's experience when matches are finely balanc.
"It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals," Martinez told reporters after the match. "For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important."The way that he attracts defenders is important, the way that we can use the space is important. And every player has a responsibility or a piece of quality on the pitch. And clearly when you look for goals, you need to have Cristiano."
There is some recent evidence, however, of Ronaldo still being able to positively influence games. During Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League run, its second title triumph in that competition, he scored eight goals, including an equaliser in the final against Spain.
Ronaldo also recently won his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, leading his club with 28 goals on the season. His abundant experience and leadership are qualities some supporters say can't be replicated.
"He’s not going to shy away from those moments when it’s the World Cup on the line," Rob Stickle said. "He’s one of those guys you want kicking the penalty kicks for you, being on the pitch at the end of the game."
Ronaldo, playing in a record-extending sixth World Cup, is the oldest outfield player in the tournament but still projects as Portugal’s starting striker.
Although his age has repeatedly been called into question, fan, Ernesto Vilar, pointed to other examples of older players, like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Croatia’s Luka Modrić, as veterans who still play significant roles for their team.
"Age is just a number," Vilar said. "He’s still in very peak physical condition. His teammates and manager would concur."
Midfielder, Vitinha, is still in awe over Ronaldo’s physique. "He’s 41. I’m 26, and I’m not like that," the Paris Saint-Germain player said through a translator. "It’s something incredible."
Team manager Roberto Martínez has suggested Ronaldo could even appear at the 2030 World Cup, when he would be 45.
Removed from the conversation about Ronaldo’s production and effectiveness, however, are a group of fans that will always idolise him: young children. Many showed up to watch Portugal practice.
Elizabeth Stiebel said she admires how Ronaldo has always been there when his team needs a big moment.
13-year-old Christian Loureiro, whose favourite Ronaldo moment is his overhead-kick goal against Juventus in 2018 while playing for Real Madrid, agrees the superstar forward is still a steadying voice.
"A lot of young players on this team need an older figure to help guide them," Loureiro said
Ronaldo definitely needs a wake-up call. He needs to realize that the time has come to step aside from the international stage. He's lost his edge and being the centre of the attack is now becoing a liability.
His ego is clearly huge and needs to be cut down to size. Some humility won't kill him.