Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old, and yet Roberto Martinez started him again in Portugal’s opener against DR Congo. The verdict? An anonymous display, no real threat, and the same tired debate that flares up every two years. The question isn’t whether Portugal NEED to drop him — it’s whether Martinez has the nerve to do it before it’s too late. And for England fans, this is a cautionary tale worth watching closely.
Why Martinez Won’t Axe Ronaldo
Roberto Martinez keeps starting Cristiano Ronaldo because of the captain’s status, not because his legs can still set the pace. Against DR Congo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner saw little of the ball in dangerous areas and barely influenced the game. The problem is simple: as long as Ronaldo wears the armband, Martinez would rather manage an icon’s ego than make an unpopular call.
That’s exactly where it falls apart. A manager who picks on reputation rather than form ends up building his side around a name instead of a performance level. Portugal have the forwards to hurt anyone — Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos — but the centre-forward spot stays locked to one man by default. How many more tournaments get wasted before someone makes the cold-blooded decision?
The Selection Warning for Tuchel’s England
Thomas Tuchel’s England face a version of the same trap: knowing when loyalty to a senior star tips over into a tactical handicap. The Ronaldo saga is the perfect warning. Picking a player for what he once was, rather than what he offers now, is how major tournaments slip away — and England have their own history of clinging to reputations a year too long.
The good news for England is that Tuchel has already shown he’ll make ruthless calls, dropping big names in his squad selection to reward form. Harry Kane still leads the line on merit, while Jude Bellingham drives the team forward. The contrast with Martinez is stark: one manager is building around output, the other around aura. England’s path may well depend on staying on the right side of that line.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan: The Next Real Test
The clash with Uzbekistan will reveal whether Martinez has learned from the DR Congo flop or will keep shielding his captain. A starting Ronaldo who fades again, and the debate becomes unmanageable heading into the knockouts. The manager has the chance to rotate, hand Leão or Ramos a start, and see whether Portugal’s attack finally breathes.
For England supporters tracking the title contenders, this fixture says plenty. A Portugal side weighed down by the past is beatable; a Portugal side freed from it could be a nightmare in a knockout tie. It all comes down to the courage of one man in the dugout — and history suggests he won’t make the call until he has no other choice.
FAQ
Why is Ronaldo still starting at 41?
Because Roberto Martinez sees him as Portugal’s leader and figurehead, valuing his status and dressing-room weight more than his current on-pitch output.
Should Portugal drop Cristiano Ronaldo?
Portugal don’t need to cut him entirely, but many analysts argue Martinez must learn to bench him in certain matches to unleash a younger, more mobile attack.
When is Portugal’s next World Cup 2026 match?
Portugal face Uzbekistan in their next outing, a test that will show whether Martinez is willing to make bold changes up front.
What does this mean for England?
It’s a direct warning for Thomas Tuchel: like Portugal with Ronaldo, England must pick on form rather than reputation and avoid clinging to a senior name past his peak.
Who could replace Ronaldo up front for Portugal?
Portugal have Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix — younger, more mobile options capable of energising the attack if Martinez decides to rest his captain.
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