Forlan Slams Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘He’s Hurting Portugal’ at the World Cup — and England Are Watching

Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘hurting’ Portugal at the 2026 World Cup — and the man saying it is Diego Forlan. The former Uruguay striker, who lined up alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, believes the 41-year-old has become a drag on a side that still reached the knockout stages. It’s a vulnerability Thomas Tuchel’s England will be studying closely should the two nations meet in the bracket.

What Forlan Said About Ronaldo

For Diego Forlan, the issue with Ronaldo isn’t effort — it’s end product. At 41, the Portugal captain has swung between match-winning displays and anonymous outings across the group stage. Forlan, a former United team-mate, says the squad now has to ‘carry’ Ronaldo rather than be carried by him.

The criticism is tactical as well as physical. By staying fixed centrally, Ronaldo squeezes the space for Portugal’s wingers and slows their fast transitions. Forlan suggests a Portugal side freed from that dependency would gain pace — the exact kind of football that troubles structured opponents.

Why It Matters for England

For England, Forlan’s verdict is useful intelligence. If Portugal keep building around a static Ronaldo, Tuchel’s defence can neutralise their main threat by locking down the box rather than chasing wide areas. England’s deeper, organised block is well suited to that plan.

Even so, writing off Ronaldo at a World Cup has always been costly. Diminished or not, he remains lethal from set pieces and the penalty spot. England must respect the danger without falling into the trap of believing the debate is settled.

FAQ