Is Cristiano Ronaldo Slowing Portugal’s Progress?

Ronaldo’s Role in Portugal’s Struggles at the 2026 World Cup

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner barely made an impact during Portugal’s lackluster start to the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about his current value to the team. Cristiano Ronaldo once said in 2025 that winning the World Cup was not a dream of his and that missing out would not define his career—a statement that rings true, considering his legendary status.

Since his debut for Sporting CP in 2002, Ronaldo has shaped soccer history. Without Lionel Messi, his records might seem even more unmatched, like the dynamic between Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in tennis. His international achievements include leading Portugal to their first major title at the 2016 European Championship, a feat neither the golden generations of the ’60s nor the 2000s managed.

Still, Ronaldo’s apparent indifference toward winning the World Cup might reflect a deeper awareness that his chance to win it is past. Watching him barely influence Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo, who celebrated the result as if it were a victory, felt bittersweet for one of the sport’s all-time greats.

On the Field But Not Making a Difference

At 41, Ronaldo played every minute of the match but touched the ball only 25 times and failed to register any shot on target until the final third of the game. His three attempts were all off mark and posed no real threat. One notable moment saw him taking a poorly struck shot when Bruno Fernandes was in a better position to score.

A Decline Visible Over Several Tournaments

Ronaldo's struggles aren’t new. His World Cup scoring record has never matched Messi’s. Messi has netted 16 goals in 27 World Cup appearances; Ronaldo has just eight in 24. He hasn’t scored in 10 consecutive major tournament matches spanning the World Cup and European Championships. His last goal in a major tournament came against Ghana during the 2022 World Cup. Portugal exited in the quarterfinals, and Ronaldo was even benched for some knockout games.

Though he found the net again in Euro 2024 qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, he failed to score in the Euro 2024 tournament despite playing almost every minute. At this stage, if Ronaldo isn’t scoring, his contribution is limited; he no longer dominates games as he once did.

Playing in Saudi Arabia and Its Impact

Since 2023, Ronaldo has been in the Saudi Pro League. The league’s overall quality doesn’t compare to Europe’s top competitions, which may inflate perceptions of his current level. He scored 50 goals for Al Nassr in 2023–24 and 28 league goals in 30 matches in 2025–26, helping claim the Saudi league title.

Facing tougher opponents on the World Cup stage requires sharper movement and support, which Ronaldo seems to lack now. DR Congo, although new to the World Cup since 1974, fielded several players from Europe’s top leagues. They marked Ronaldo tightly, and Portugal’s key creators often struggled to deliver effective service. Ronaldo’s reduced mobility makes it harder for him to escape defenders and remain the focal point.

What Lies Ahead for Portugal?

Roberto Martínez, the manager, has defended Ronaldo’s place, but with his departure after this World Cup, the next coach could make bold changes. Portugal does not have many natural strikers besides Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, the latter seen as a rising star but mostly a backup at PSG and Euro 2024.

Ramos thrives in fluid systems where he can rotate and involve himself in build-up play—something Ronaldo cannot do. Portugal might also explore false nine roles with players like Bernardo Silva, João Félix, or Rafael Leão, offering more tactical flexibility.

Portugal faces Uzbekistan next. A win there would likely secure advancement to the knockout stage before their final group match against Colombia. Still, it remains uncertain whether relying on Ronaldo’s diminished form will yield better attacking results than what was shown against DR Congo.