Sports Desk: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny following his underwhelming performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Former France striker Thierry Henry delivered a blunt assessment of Ronaldo’s display, suggesting that the veteran forward appeared overly focused on scoring himself rather than helping the team create opportunities. Henry remarked that “the team has to score, not you,” emphasizing that collective success should take precedence over individual milestones.
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The 41-year-old Ronaldo, playing in a record-equalling sixth World Cup, failed to find the net as Portugal squandered an early lead against the African side. Critics pointed to several moments during the match when the Portuguese captain opted to shoot rather than make a pass, drawing questions about his decision-making in crucial situations. Portugal had entered the tournament with high expectations, but the draw has intensified debate over Ronaldo’s role in the squad. While some pundits argue that his experience and goal-scoring pedigree remain invaluable, others believe the team needs to focus more on collective play rather than relying heavily on its iconic captain.
Despite the criticism, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch throughout the match, describing him as one of the world’s greatest goalscorers and insisting that he remains a key part of the team’s plans. Ronaldo, meanwhile, sought to rally supporters after the disappointing result, stating that the tournament is “far from over” and urging the team to remain focused on the challenges ahead. Portugal will now look to secure a crucial victory in their next group-stage fixture as they attempt to revive their World Cup campaign.
