Cristiano Ronaldo has been a consistent presence in the World Cup, but his performances have not lived up to expectations. At 41, he's the second-oldest player in the tournament, but his 'biological age' of 28.9 due to rigorous training and diet doesn't translate to on-field success.
Portugal's 1-1 draw against DR Congo in FIFA World Cup 2026 was a disappointing display from Ronaldo, who had just 25 touches, the lowest among outfield players. His lack of scoring in 10 straight international games has raised questions about his value to the team.
Ronaldo's presence may be hurting the team, as players may alter their game to accommodate him, leading to disappointment. His massive fame in Portugal has affected the team's dynamics, with some players feeling pressured to perform for him.
Former England striker Chris Sutton has criticized Ronaldo's performance, suggesting he should be replaced, while former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney believes Ronaldo will only score if he gets good chances. With Ronaldo playing in Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr since 2023, it's unclear how he'll keep up with the best players in the world.
