Cristiano Ronaldo is again drawing attention at the 2026 World Cup, after a subdued display in Portugal’s opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 41-year-old captain had only 25 touches in 90 minutes, and his place in Roberto Martinez’s starting lineup has become a major talking point as Portugal weigh whether to bench their all-time leading scorer or keep him in attack despite growing criticism.
Former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes delivered the harshest verdict on the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football. Scholes said he sees Ronaldo as “a bit of a problem” for Martinez and argued that at 41 the only position he should start in is goalkeeper. “There is only one position on the pitch at 41 where you should be starting, and that is goalkeeper, for me,” Scholes said. He added that Ronaldo should be limited to “the last 15 minutes” and said he does not understand how a 40- or 41-year-old can start as a center forward.
Scholes was joined by another former United player, Nicky Butt, in suggesting Ronaldo has been acting “a bit selfishly.” Liverpool legend John Barnes, also appearing on the podcast, said he does not think England manager Thomas Tuchel would pick Ronaldo, saying, “I don’t think Thomas Tuchel would put him in the line-up.” Scholes went further, saying Ronaldo would not start for England and would not even make the squad.
The debate comes despite Ronaldo’s production for Al Nassr, where he scored 30 goals in all competitions last season. Still, with Portugal’s opener already behind them and criticism intensifying, Martinez faces pressure over whether to persist with the 41-year-old star or move him to the bench.
