Roberto Martínez backs Cristiano Ronaldo despite early Portugal criticism

Roberto Martínez has publicly defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain faced widespread criticism following the team’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup. Despite calls for his removal, Martínez insisted the 41-year-old striker remains essential to the team’s attacking options. The opening match exposed deep divisions in opinion. European media outlets such as Germany’s and Spain’s El Mundo Deportivo questioned Ronaldo’s influence, with the arguing he should have been substituted. Portuguese outlets like Público also criticized the team’s over-reliance on individual efforts from players including Ronaldo. Martínez dismissed suggestions to replace Ronaldo, stating: „Het heeft geen zin om de Portugese topscorer aller tijden naar de kant te halen in een wedstrijd waarin je doelpunten nodig hebt.” He emphasized Ronaldo’s experience in scoring situations and his ability to draw defenders, adding: „Als we goals nodig hebben, dan hebben we Cristiano nodig.”

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The debate echoes Martínez’s earlier tenure as Belgium manager from 2016 to 2022. He was widely criticized for retaining aging stars like Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Toby Alderweireld, and Jan Vertonghen until late in the 2022 World Cup, when he finally made changes. Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer, played a pivotal role in last year’s Nations League triumph, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final. His continued presence in the squad remains a point of contention among pundits and fans alike.

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The next match against Uzbekistan presents an opportunity for Portugal to recover from the opening draw. Martínez is expected to retain Ronaldo, using the game as a chance to silence critics and restore confidence in the team’s attacking lineup. Ronaldo’s form and leadership remain central to Portugal’s World Cup campaign, despite the early scrutiny and calls for a generational shift in the squad.