Portugal’s Ronaldo Dilemma Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo enters the 2026 World Cup in a very different place than in past tournaments. At 41, the Al Nassr striker arrives after finally winning a league title, is closing in on 1,000 official career goals, and could even play alongside his son. But the question in Portugal is whether he still helps the national team, or whether his presence now complicates the side’s balance.

The article says Ronaldo’s latest season was strong, despite a short injury setback. He scored 28 goals in 30 matches for Al Nassr, helped the club win its first league title, and remained central even after nearly leaving in February. He reportedly refused to play for Al Nassr that month in an effort to pressure club bosses and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns four clubs. After returning from suspension, he scored four goals in three games, then added three goals and an assist in his next four, before finishing with a brace against Damac to secure the title.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists Ronaldo remains essential. He said Ronaldo’s finishing is “better than ever,” and added, “I’m coaching Cristiano Ronaldo of 2026, not an iconic figure.” Martinez also praised his movement, saying he helps attack patterns even if he no longer presses or tracks back like he once did. The piece argues that this approach has made Ronaldo more of a focal point than a burden, especially after the death of Diogo Jota in a car accident shortly after Portugal won the Nations League.

Still, Ronaldo is no longer Portugal’s best player on form. Bruno Fernandes is named as the standout, with Vitinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao, Joao Cancelo, Matheus Nunes and perhaps Pedro Neto also rated above him. Even so, his threat changes games. He scored the winner against Germany and also netted against Spain as Portugal beat both teams en route to the Nations League title, and the article suggests Martinez has turned him into a Miroslav Klose type, a penalty-area striker who occupies defenders and scores when chances come. Whether that works at the World Cup will define Portugal’s gamble.