Cristiano Ronaldo will play at a sixth World Cup with Portugal but the forward’s style and personality has been cited as an issue that could hamper his nation’s hopes
Cristiano Ronaldo “dominating the whole team” will hamper Portugal at the World Cup, according to John Barnes, who feels his presence and stature could impact on their other players.
The Al-Nassr forward is playing at his sixth World Cup this summer at the age of 41 and is still integral to the plans of Portuguese boss Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo is no longer playing at the highest level though having opted to move to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Yet Ronaldo is still expected to lead the line for his country, but his critics claim his presence may be counter productive given the lack of work he does off the ball and the dominating aura that he commands.
Portugal have never won the World Cup with their best effort being a semi-final appearance, but they are flooded with talent including several of PSG’s Champions League winners and Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes.
Barnes fears that Ronaldo, who is ultimately no longer at his peak, could be counter productive for the European nation. He told talkSPORT: “I don’t think Ronaldo will have much of an impact, in terms of 90 minutes of being a player like he is the past. I think you’ve got to get away from that.
“Portugal have got lots of good players but the more you have one player dominating the whole team, because he’s Cristiano Ronaldo, without being the Cristiano Ronaldo of old, you won’t see the best of Bruno Fernandes and other players because its all about Ronaldo. And I don’t think that will help.”
At the last World Cup in Qatar then Portugal boss Fernando Santos famously dropped Ronaldo for a last 16 clash against Switzerland. His replacement, Goncalo Ramos, who score a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.
Ronaldo is again firmly back in favour and helped his country win the Nations League in 2025, beating Spain on penalties in the final with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scoring his country’s second equaliser.
Martinez insists that, despite his age, Ronaldo still possesses qualities that make him a huge asset. He told the Athletic: “The influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a No 9, the movement, the timing of the movement, the finishing, the way he opens spaces, the way that he can influence the defensive back line of the opposition, that’s a big, big strength.”
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