Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest players, is refusing to step aside from the Portuguese national team, despite a decline in his performance that many believe is holding the team back. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, concerns are mounting that Ronaldo’s insistence on continuing his international career could be detrimental to Portugal’s chances of success on the world stage.
Ronaldo’s struggles were on full display during the recent Euro 2024 tournament, where his performances fell far short of the standards he set earlier in his career. Many critics have suggested that the 39-year-old should retire from international football, but Ronaldo has dismissed these calls.
“The people who give their opinions have never been in a dressing room,” Ronaldo recently told reporters.
“How can I give my opinion on Formula 1 if I don’t know anything about tyres, rims, or the weight of the car?”
However, Ronaldo’s critics argue that one doesn’t need to be a professional footballer to see that his best days are behind him. This sentiment was echoed during the 2022 World Cup when Portugal’s then-coach, Fernando Santos, made the bold decision to drop Ronaldo from the starting lineup during their match against Switzerland. In Ronaldo’s place, Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick, leading Portugal to a 6-1 victory. Despite this success, Santos faced immense pressure following Portugal’s subsequent loss to Morocco and ultimately resigned.
Roberto Martinez, who succeeded Santos as Portugal’s head coach, had a chance to begin a new era without Ronaldo. However, he instead chose to persuade Ronaldo to continue playing for the national team. This decision has been widely criticized, especially after Ronaldo’s lackluster performance in Euro 2024, where he failed to score despite multiple attempts.
In one of the tournament’s most telling moments, Ronaldo missed a crucial penalty during extra-time in Portugal’s match against Slovenia, which led to his emotional breakdown on the field. Rather than making the tough call to replace Ronaldo, Martinez kept him on the pitch, showcasing what many see as a lack of leadership.
Martinez has repeatedly defended Ronaldo, portraying his emotional reaction as a sign of his patriotism. However, Ronaldo himself admitted that his tears were not about Portugal’s fate but rather his personal disappointment.
“I wasn’t thinking about Portugal at all,” Ronaldo confessed, revealing the degree to which his personal ambitions have overshadowed the team’s goals.
Despite Ronaldo’s insistence that he will know when it’s time to step down, many observers, including former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville, are skeptical.
“I don’t think he’s got it in him,” Neville said, pointing out that Ronaldo seems incapable of recognizing when it’s time to walk away.
Ronaldo’s belief in his ability to continue playing at the highest level appears unshaken, even as he admits that “until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter.”
This mindset has led many to fear that Ronaldo will continue to dominate the team’s lineup, potentially until the 2026 World Cup, regardless of his performance.
The problem with Ronaldo’s continued presence in the national team is that it prevents the younger generation of players from stepping into the spotlight. Although Ronaldo has spoken about mentoring younger players, his continued central role is seen as more of a hindrance than a help. As long as Ronaldo remains the focal point of the team, it’s difficult for others to shine.
Portugal’s failure to reach the semifinals in Euro 2024, despite a relatively easy path, has been attributed in part to Ronaldo’s diminished abilities. His once-formidable goal-scoring prowess has faded, with his performance in the box described as lacking the sharpness that made him a superstar.
Martinez has acknowledged that Portugal’s finishing during the Euros was subpar, stating, “We should have scored five more goals in our games. We created the chances and the statistics prove it.”
Yet, despite Ronaldo’s failure to score, Martinez has continued to start him, a decision that many see as a sign of weakness.
The situation with Ronaldo is creating a growing sense of unease among Portuguese fans. They fear that with Martinez reluctant to drop Ronaldo and Ronaldo unwilling to step aside, the team is heading toward another disappointing World Cup campaign. As one of football’s greatest players, Ronaldo risks tarnishing his legacy by staying on too long and potentially dragging his team down with him. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the time for tough decisions is now—before it’s too late.