More than two decades after making his international debut, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the central figure in Portuguese football.
The 41-year-old is set to become one of the few players in history to appear at six FIFA World Cups, but his presence in Portugal’s starting XI has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament. While his record and leadership remain unquestioned, some pundits and former players believe Portugal may now be a more balanced team without him.
Ronaldo’s legacy remains unmatched
Since making his Portugal debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, Ronaldo has transformed the national team into a global force.
The Al-Nassr forward is international football’s all-time leading goalscorer with 143 goals and has played a key role in changing expectations around Portuguese football.
Former Portugal coach and Sporting figure João Aroso described Ronaldo as a player who gave a small nation worldwide recognition through his achievements and professionalism.
Ronaldo has scored in each of his previous five World Cups and heads into the 2026 edition needing one more goal to surpass Portuguese legend Eusebio as the country’s highest scorer in World Cup history.
Growing debate over his place in the team
Despite his remarkable achievements, criticism surrounding Ronaldo’s role has grown louder since the 2022 World Cup.
Former Portugal international Antonio Simoes questioned whether Ronaldo still prioritises the team over individual recognition, while several analysts have argued that Portugal’s future success may require a different attacking structure.
The debate intensified after Portugal recorded two of their biggest victories under manager Roberto Martinez without Ronaldo in the lineup, defeating Luxembourg 9-0 and Armenia 9-1.
Those results reignited discussions over whether Portugal play with greater freedom when their long-time captain is absent.
Martinez continues to back his captain
Martinez has consistently defended Ronaldo and dismissed suggestions that he should lose his starting place.
The Portugal boss frequently points to Ronaldo’s impressive return of 25 goals in 31 appearances under his management as evidence that he still performs at the highest level.
Martinez has described Ronaldo as one of football’s greatest players and insists his selection is based on current performance rather than past achievements.
Former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo, now part of the national team’s coaching setup, also believes Ronaldo remains a major threat despite advancing age.
According to Ricardo, while the forward may have lost a small amount of pace, his technical quality, experience and mentality continue to make him a decisive player.
Portugal planning for life after Ronaldo
Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament.
As a result, discussions have increased regarding Portugal’s future without the player who has defined an era.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca recently acknowledged Ronaldo’s importance while insisting the federation is financially and structurally prepared for the post-Ronaldo era.
The federation expects the transition to happen naturally but recognises that Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.
One final opportunity
For now, Portugal’s focus remains on the present rather than the future.
Ronaldo enters his sixth World Cup still carrying the hopes of a nation searching for its first global title. Whether he starts every game or plays a reduced role, his impact on Portuguese football is already secure.
The remaining question is whether the country’s greatest player can deliver one final historic achievement before bringing an extraordinary international career to an end.
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