Cristiano Ronaldo silences critics once again at 41, with decisive performances for the national team, as the controversy over his place in Portugal's starting eleven reaches a new peak ahead of the clash with Spain. Despite his age, the Portuguese captain remains the man for the big moments, accumulating performances that leave many fans and commentators questioning whether it is truly time to pass the torch — but there are influential voices opposing this idea.
Following a brilliant display against Croatia in the Round of 16, where he was named Man of the Match, and a solid performance against Uzbekistan in the group stage, Ronaldo has once again proven that he remains crucial when it matters most. The debate over whether he is helping or hindering the team, however, persists, with a segment of fans and analysts calling for Gonçalo Ramos to start and advocating for a “passing of the torch” they consider inevitable. Nevertheless, Mexican legend Javier Hernández, the all-time leading scorer for Mexico and a global reference, publicly countered these opinions, arguing that Portugal should continue to rely on Ronaldo.
“I think that after Portugal's first game, Cristiano was heavily criticized because he couldn't score, and if that was a problem, he shouldn't have been a starter,” Hernández stated this week in an interview with Fox Sports. “Then, in the second game, he created opportunities. He had chances. He put the ball in the net. He has 975 goals in his career. At 41 years old, he does that, running almost at 30 km/h. He can still run. He won't run like that 20 times, of course.” The comparison with Lautaro Martínez, the star of Inter Milan but with a different role in the Argentine national team, underscores that Ronaldo's usage should be based on the tactical needs of the team, not on age or media pressure.
Hernández also emphasized, “I hope that the current midfield of Portugal is capable of that. That they understand the player they have in front of them. Instead of competing against him, they should use him.” His words serve as a clear warning to the squad and the coach: ignoring Ronaldo's experience, goal-scoring ability, and leadership could be a fatal mistake at this stage of the World Cup. The Mexican forward does not hesitate to place the Portuguese star at the center of the project, arguing that the team should be built around his unique qualities.
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The discussion about the best offensive formula for Portugal has gained new momentum, with many experts suggesting that Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos together in attack could be the ideal solution. With Rafael Leão providing depth and speed on the wings and Francisco Conceição ensuring unpredictability with his dribbling, the national team has the tools to surprise any opponent. Bruno Fernandes, with his vision of the game and shooting ability, and Vitinha, in the role of organizer, complete a luxurious midfield capable of feeding the attack and ensuring defensive balance.
The upcoming match against Spain will be the true test of the Portuguese team's ability to make the most of its star-studded squad. If Roberto Martínez can find the right balance and maximize what Ronaldo still has to offer, Portugal can dream big and continue to nurture hopes of a second World Cup title. The pressure is at its peak, but the expectation of seeing Ronaldo silence his critics once again keeps the country in suspense. The immediate future of the national team will be determined in the next clash, where the answer to the age-old question — is Ronaldo indispensable or a hindrance? — may finally be revealed on the pitch.
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