Zlatan Ibrahimovic has dropped a bombshell: he says Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘holding Portugal hostage’. The Swede argues the 41-year-old captain is picked out of nostalgia rather than merit, pointing to Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winner against Croatia. It’s a weakness England, genuine contenders in 2026, will be watching closely.
Ibrahimovic: ‘Ronaldo Is Holding Portugal Hostage’
Ibrahimovic was brutal: he believes Ronaldo starts out of nostalgia, not form. His evidence is simple — it was substitute Gonçalo Ramos, not the captain, who scored the winner against Croatia.
The message is clear: Portugal have the depth to move on. The question is whether Roberto Martínez dares to bench a legend just weeks before the World Cup kicks off.
What Portugal’s Weakness Means for England
For England, any crack in a rival contender is welcome news. A Portugal leaning on a fading Ronaldo rather than its young talent looks less threatening in the race for the 2026 title.
Thomas Tuchel’s England, by contrast, is built around a balanced, in-form core with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Where Portugal’s debate revolves around one man, England can rotate attacking options without a status row.
Ronaldo vs Ramos: The Dilemma Weakening Portugal
Gonçalo Ramos represents the future: a mobile, in-form finisher in his prime. Keeping him on the bench to protect Ronaldo’s prestige could prove costly in the knockout rounds.
England have leaned toward form over reputation in recent squads — a call that could separate the two nations when it matters most in 2026.
FAQ
Why did Ibrahimovic criticise Ronaldo?
He believes Ronaldo is picked out of nostalgia rather than merit and is ‘holding Portugal hostage’, noting that Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner against Croatia.
Will Ronaldo play at the World Cup 2026?
Ronaldo remains in Portugal’s squad for now, but his place in the starting XI is increasingly questioned despite his experience.
Who is Gonçalo Ramos?
He is the Portugal forward who scored the winning goal against Croatia, seen as the future of the national team ahead of Ronaldo.
How does this affect England?
A weakened Portugal reliant on one player is a less threatening rival for England in the race for the World Cup 2026 title.
Are England favourites over Portugal?
With a younger core around Bellingham and Kane and fewer internal rows, England look better equipped than Portugal’s current side to go deep in 2026.
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