Craig Burley Questions Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role in Portugal’s Future
As Portugal gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has delivered a strong warning to the team: they cannot win or be competitive if they continue to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo as their main striker.
Burley, now a football pundit, believes that Ronaldo’s time at the top level is over and that Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez must find the courage to phase out the 40-year-old forward.
Portugal’s Nations League Success & Ronaldo’s Struggles
Despite concerns over Ronaldo’s influence, Portugal recently secured a spot in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with an impressive 5-2 aggregate victory over Denmark.
However, their journey to the semis was not without its struggles.
First Leg: Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, with Ronaldo struggling to make an impact.
Second Leg: Portugal bounced back with a 5-2 victory, but Ronaldo had a mixed performance.
He missed a crucial penalty in the opening five minutes, squandering a golden opportunity.
He later redeemed himself with a well-taken second-half goal.
Burley’s Verdict: Ronaldo Can’t Lead Portugal in 2026
Speaking on ESPN, Burley questioned whether a 41-year-old Ronaldo could still lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, given his recent struggles at major tournaments.
“To be still going at this age is incredible. But will a 41-and-a-half-year-old be able to lead the line in the 2026 World Cup for one of the most talented teams in the tournament?”
Burley pointed out that in the last two major international tournaments—the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship—Ronaldo either struggled or was dropped.
“We have seen the evidence at this level. He just can’t do it anymore. Maybe you can put him on the bench, but then there’s the pressure on the manager about why he’s not playing Ronaldo.”
He further criticized Roberto Martinez for continuing to select Ronaldo, despite signs that the forward’s best years are behind him.
“Even if he gets the odd goal, and he does that, there is a body of evidence to show that he is not the same player anymore. It lacks foresight from Martinez to keep relying on him.”
Should Portugal Move On from Ronaldo?
Burley’s comments reignite the long-running debate over whether Portugal should continue to build their squad around Ronaldo or transition to a younger, faster attacking setup.
With talented forwards like Rafael Leão, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos waiting in the wings, some believe it is time for Portugal to embrace the next generation.
However, Ronaldo remains a global icon and still possesses the ability to change games, making the decision to phase him out a difficult one for Martinez and the Portuguese Football Federation.
The Bigger Picture: Portugal’s Chances at the 2026 World Cup
With or without Ronaldo, Portugal is expected to be one of the strongest teams heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
However, if they hope to go all the way, the team must find the right balance between experience and youthful energy.
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