Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have joined the growing chorus of criticism surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team after a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal held to draw by DR Congo
Portugal entered the tournament with high hopes but were forced to settle for a point after Yoane Wissa canceled out Joao Neves' early goal. The result marked DR Congo's first-ever point at a World Cup and extended Ronaldo's goalless run in major international tournaments. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr captain struggled to influence the game, closely marked by Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe.
While Lionel Messi dazzled with a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, Ronaldo endured another frustrating outing, intensifying questions about his continued importance to the team.
Henry identifies Ronaldo's problem
Speaking as an analyst on FOX Sports, Henry delivered a detailed breakdown of one particular move involving Ronaldo. He argued that the Portuguese superstar prioritized his own scoring opportunity over the team's needs.
"People need to understand that the team needs to score, not one individual," Henry said. The World Cup winner explained that Ronaldo's movement blocked Bruno Fernandes instead of creating space. According to Henry, Ronaldo should have run toward the far post to drag defenders away, but instead moved into Fernandes' path, allowing DR Congo defenders to close down the danger.
Henry added: "The team needs to score, not you." He pointed to Bruno Fernandes' reaction as evidence that the midfielder expected a different run.
Ibrahimovic agrees with Henry
Zlatan Ibrahimovic supported Henry's observations. The former Sweden and AC Milan star explained that center-forwards are expected to attack different spaces to pull defenders out of position.
"Normally, a striker moves from the near post to the far post to take defenders away and create space for teammates," Ibrahimovic said. He concluded: "Obviously, you made the wrong choice there, Cristiano."
Portugal must adapt to Ronaldo
Henry also stressed that Portugal's younger players must acknowledge that Ronaldo is no longer capable of stretching defenses as he once did. He insisted Ronaldo remains dangerous inside the penalty area but requires more support from teammates.
"He's not going to run into channels anymore. He's not going to stretch teams," Henry explained. He added that Portugal's attackers need to make more runs behind defenders to create opportunities for the veteran. "If you want him to score, you have to feed him in the box."
Bothroyd calls for major decision
Former England international Jay Bothroyd went further, suggesting Ronaldo should voluntarily step aside from the starting line-up. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "If Ronaldo is a team player, he should understand that maybe he needs to come off the bench and become an impact player."
However, Bothroyd admitted he does not believe Ronaldo would willingly accept such a role, arguing that the Portuguese icon is still chasing comparisons with Lionel Messi. "He's never going to be Messi." Despite praising Ronaldo's longevity and dedication, Bothroyd believes the current situation is hurting Portugal. "Right now, he's becoming more of a hindrance for Portugal than a help."
Bothroyd also questioned manager Roberto Martinez's decision-making, noting that if Ronaldo fails to score, he contributes little in pressing or linking play. "He's not going to chase defenders or drop deep like Harry Kane."
Martinez refuses to abandon Ronaldo
Despite the criticism, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has stood firmly behind his captain. He defended leaving Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, saying: "In games like this, where it is difficult to break down defenses, Cristiano's qualities are very important." Martinez insisted removing the highest goalscorer in football history during a match where Portugal needed a goal would have made little sense. However, critics believe his comments focused too much on Ronaldo's past rather than his present form.
The draw against DR Congo marked the tenth consecutive major tournament game in which Ronaldo failed to score.
Fans try to inspire Ronaldo
As the game wore on, thousands of Portugal supporters inside the stadium chanted Ronaldo's name in an attempt to inspire a magical moment. The captain acknowledged the supporters and encouraged them, but the breakthrough never arrived. With tougher tests ahead in Group K, the debate surrounding Ronaldo's role is only expected to intensify.
Opponents recognize Ronaldo's limitations
DR Congo midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau admitted his side recognized that Ronaldo is no longer the unstoppable force he once was. He said the Portuguese captain remains one of football's greatest players, but age has naturally changed his game, adding that it was still an honor to share the pitch with the legendary forward.
