Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest talking points at the 2026 World Cup after a disappointing start for Portugal. The 41-year-old striker struggled in Portugal’s opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, and critics say he is being selected mainly because of his reputation. He finished the 90 minutes with only 25 touches, while coach Roberto Martinez faces growing pressure over whether to bench him or continue using him up front.
On the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, former Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes was especially blunt. He said he had spoken to Martinez and asked whether Ronaldo was becoming a problem, adding, “I feel he is a bit of a problem.” Scholes then argued that the only position a 41-year-old should start in is goal, saying, “There is only one position on the pitch at 41 where you should be starting, and that is goalkeeper, for me.” He added that a player aged 40 or 41 should be used only for the final 15 minutes and said he did not understand how such a player could start as a central striker.
Scholes was not alone in his criticism. Nicki Butt, another former United player, agreed that Ronaldo can be “a bit selfish.” Liverpool legend John Barnes, who also appeared on the podcast, said England coach Thomas Tuchel would not pick the Al Nassr forward, stating, “I don’t think Thomas Tuchel would put him in the lineup.” Scholes went further, saying Ronaldo would not start for England and might not even make the squad.
Despite scoring 30 goals in all competitions for his club last season, Scholes suggested England would prefer Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney as backup forwards ahead of him.
