Cristiano Ronaldo once again finds himself at the center of attention and controversy on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, with Portugal divided between the hope for a final act of glory from the captain and the fear that his presence may hinder the team’s ambitions. After squandering clear chances in the last preparation match against Nigeria – a team that will not even be participating in the tournament – the question arises: at 41 years old and playing in the Saudi league, is Ronaldo up to the demands of a national team that dreams of conquering the world?
The coach Roberto Martínez seems inclined to keep Ronaldo as a starter for the debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston this Wednesday. No one questions the historical significance of the forward: 143 goals for the senior national team, 22 of them in major tournaments, and an undeniable leader’s aura in the locker room. However, there are increasing signs that his on-field performance no longer matches the weight of his name. The absence of goals in the Euro 2024, where Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals against France, and his uninspired performance in the 2022 World Cup – with only one goal, from a penalty, and an early exit from the starting eleven – fuel the debate about his usefulness to the team.
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What is truly at stake is more than the career of a legend: it concerns the very competitive future of Portugal. Keeping Ronaldo in the center of the attack means relegating Gonçalo Ramos, who scored a historic hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland, to the bench. Ramos, with only 25 international appearances and ten goals—an impressive average for someone who has had few opportunities as a starter—has reasons to feel frustrated. His effectiveness and ability to press high fit better with the dynamics of modern football, unlike Ronaldo, who plays in a league of lesser intensity and is not accustomed to the frantic rhythms of the major European leagues. A conservative choice could cost Portugal dearly in a competition where detail makes all the difference.
Even so, the veteran’s supporters emphasize his impact in decisive moments. Last year, Ronaldo was pivotal in the Nations League, scoring three goals in the knockout matches and demonstrating composure in high-stakes situations, such as in the final against Spain, which was decided by penalties. Moreover, his presence in set pieces remains a formidable weapon – in an era where set-piece plays define championships, having him on the field can be vital. “Am I physically well? Yes. Haven’t you seen the games?” Ronaldo replied, visibly irritated, when questioned about his physical condition before the World Cup, showing that he still trusts in his abilities.
However, the pressure on the coach is increasing. Ramos, despite having scored six fewer goals than Ronaldo, did so with fewer minutes on the pitch and an impressive conversion rate. Only in 2024, he scored four goals in four starts, demonstrating that he deserves more prominence. The club context also weighs in: while Ronaldo shines in a dominant Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, a league far from the European top, Ramos faces elite defenses weekly, which makes him better prepared for the challenges of a World Cup.
The debate is heated and promises to shape the Portuguese campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. What is at stake is not only the farewell of one of the greatest figures in world football, but also the pragmatism of a national team that cannot afford to waste the talent of a golden generation. If Ronaldo inspires the team with goals and leadership, he will silence his critics once and for all. Conversely, if his starting position results in offensive ineffectiveness, the risk of Portugal exiting early will be real.
The next match will be crucial. If Portugal wins and Ronaldo scores, confidence may return, and the captain can reaffirm his decisive role. However, if finishing problems persist, the pressure to make way for Ramos will become unsustainable. Roberto Martínez will need to demonstrate courage and strategic vision: should he bet on history or the present? The answer could determine Portugal’s fate on the biggest stage in world football.
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