Cristiano Ronaldo has often been criticized for remaining a guaranteed starter for Portugal despite no longer being the same game-changing force he once was, even as his teammates represent some of the brightest stars in modern football. For many observers, his pursuit of 1,000 career goals and an ever-growing list of records has, at times, been seen as a limitation for a Portugal side widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe and the world.

THE JOY OF ONE IS THE JOY OF ALL

CR7’s performance in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in Houston helped reinforce the sense of unity within the squad, while also pushing back against the narrative that his teammates are frustrated by his central role and his continued dominance at the age of 41.

Portugal’s early tournament display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup had already fueled those discussions. Ronaldo struggled in the opening match against a resilient DR Congo side at the same stadium, failing to score as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw, prompting renewed questions over his role in the team.

Against Uzbekistan, however, when Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, his teammates immediately rushed to celebrate with him, highlighting the importance of their captain and the symbolism of him scoring in a sixth consecutive World Cup.

For the second goal, scored by Nuno Mendes in the 17th minute, Portugal’s cohesion was further underlined when Ronaldo himself handed over the ball for the free-kick — a surprise moment for goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov and for football fans worldwide, as the Portuguese legend is typically the designated set-piece taker.

The third goal, arriving in the 39th minute, once again saw the entire team celebrate with Ronaldo after his second goal of the match and tenth in World Cup history. The “SIUUU” echoed around the Houston Texans’ stadium as Portugal’s dominance was fully on display.

“CRISTIANODEPENDENCY” — A FORCED REALITY?

Since the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France — when Ronaldo was forced off through injury in extra time before watching his teammates secure Portugal’s first major international trophy — debate has surrounded whether his role in the national team has become more symbolic than essential.

From that point on, his presence on the pitch has consistently sparked discussion. As age began to affect his pace and explosiveness, and his goal output naturally declined, many argued Portugal had already developed a new generation capable of competing at the highest level without relying so heavily on their iconic captain.

Those doubts grew louder during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2024, and the opening match of the 2026 tournament, where Ronaldo struggled for goals, missed chances — including penalties — and became the focal point of both praise and criticism in equal measure.

Fernando Santos briefly dared to bench him during the knockout stage of the previous World Cup, where Gonçalo Ramos responded with a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Switzerland in the round of 16. However, Portugal were later eliminated by Morocco in the quarterfinals, with Santos ultimately blamed by many for not starting Ronaldo in what became one of the tournament’s most debated decisions.

Roberto Martínez arrived as his successor and opted not to disrupt the balance, building his project around Ronaldo — a decision that led to Portugal winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League. However, the approach was questioned again during Euro 2024.

This also coincided with a scoring drought across 10 matches in major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), as well as in pre-tournament friendlies. Reports even suggested tensions within the squad, including claims that Bruno Fernandes was not always comfortable consistently funneling play toward Ronaldo.

Still, the professionalism of this golden generation has kept Portugal among the favourites for major honours, with or without Cristiano Ronaldo. Aware of his age and physical limitations, the veteran arrives at this World Cup motivated not only by international success, but also by his club ambitions with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he has linked up with João Félix in pursuit of his first league title since arriving in 2022.

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