At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a prolific scorer at Al-Nassr but is seen as a ‘problem’ for Portugal, with concerns about his role leading up to the World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has found himself at the centre of criticism as he pushes his career toward the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now 39, remains a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, where he netted 50 goals last season. However, his contribution to Portugal’s national team has been called into question, especially after a lacklustre performance at Euro 2024, where he failed to score. As the Ronaldo World Cup 2026 approach looms, concerns grow about whether his continued presence might impact the development of younger players.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia came after a dramatic exit from Manchester United in 2022. Following his departure from European football, he opted to continue his career in the Middle East, a decision that some see as a step down from the elite level of competition in Europe. Despite his undeniable talent, critics, including former England international Gabriel Agbonlahor, have suggested that Ronaldo’s presence may be hindering the progress of younger, more dynamic players in the Portugal squad.

Agbonlahor, who played against Ronaldo during his first stint at Manchester United, expressed his concerns during an interview on talkSPORT. He suggested that Ronaldo’s determination to keep playing for Portugal, despite his advancing age, might be preventing other talents from taking centre stage. “If you watched him in the Euros, he didn’t do anything. He probably hindered other players being played,” Agbonlahor remarked. He added that while Ronaldo still possesses remarkable skills, he may no longer have what it takes to perform at the highest level consistently. As the Ronaldo World Cup 2026 approaches, Agbonlahor worries that his continued presence could overshadow emerging talents crucial for Portugal’s future success.

Ronaldo has not shown any signs of stepping down from international duty. In fact, he has made it clear that he intends to play until the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that would likely mark the end of his illustrious career. His ambition to reach 1,000 career goals and add to his record-breaking tally of 213 caps and 131 goals for Portugal remains firm.

This determination to continue playing presents a selection challenge for Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez. Agbonlahor pointed out that Ronaldo’s refusal to accept a bench role complicates the dynamics of the national team. “Ronaldo will want to go to the World Cup… He said if he’s in the squad, he wants to be a starter,” Agbonlahor commented, adding, “You’ve got that problem. It’s a hard one for the manager because is Ronaldo as big as Portugal?”

With Ronaldo’s eyes set on future milestones and another World Cup appearance, the question of whether his extended career will benefit or burden Portugal remains a contentious debate.

Analysis

Political: Ronaldo’s situation with the Portugal national team raises a complex issue about loyalty and leadership in sports. As one of the most iconic figures in Portuguese history, Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond the football field. His presence in the team is not just about what he brings in terms of goals or assists but also the symbolic weight of having a global superstar still representing his country. Politically, Ronaldo embodies national pride, and any decision to phase him out could be perceived as disrespectful to a player who has contributed immensely to the country’s sporting legacy. However, balancing this respect with the need to ensure the team’s long-term success presents a dilemma for coach Roberto Martinez, who must consider both public sentiment and the practicalities of team performance.

Social: Socially, Ronaldo’s extended career highlights the broader cultural phenomenon of ageing athletes continuing to compete at high levels. In an era where sports stars are extending their careers through improved fitness regimes and technology, Ronaldo’s decision to keep playing well into his late 30s mirrors trends seen in other sports, such as Tom Brady in the NFL and LeBron James in the NBA. However, this can also spark debates about when it is appropriate for aging stars to step aside and allow younger generations to shine. For Portugal, the decision to keep fielding Ronaldo may be driven by both his immense popularity and his marketability, but it raises questions about whether younger talents are being unfairly overshadowed by his presence.

Racial: In a team as diverse as Portugal, the continued presence of a legendary but ageing star like Ronaldo may have subtle implications for the opportunities available to emerging players from different backgrounds. Portugal’s national team has historically been a mix of native Portuguese players and those with roots in former colonies like Angola, Cape Verde, and Brazil. As these younger, often ethnically diverse players rise through the ranks, Ronaldo’s prolonged stay could be seen as delaying their full integration into key roles within the squad. While Ronaldo’s race is not a factor in the criticism he faces, the broader conversation about merit, opportunity, and representation may touch on racial dynamics within the team.

Gender: Ronaldo’s career longevity also invites a gender-based perspective on how male and female athletes are treated as they age. In men’s sports, particularly football, ageing players like Ronaldo are often celebrated for their longevity and resilience. However, female athletes, even those of comparable skill and stature, often face earlier pressure to retire or transition into non-playing roles. The praise Ronaldo continues to receive despite criticism about his performance contrasts with the experiences of many female athletes, who might not be afforded the same opportunities to continue competing at elite levels into their late 30s or beyond.

Economic: Economically, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was not just a footballing decision but also a lucrative one. His contract with Al-Nassr reportedly makes him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, and his presence in the Saudi Pro League is part of the kingdom’s broader effort to raise the profile of its sports industry. For Portugal, however, Ronaldo’s continued involvement in the national team may have economic consequences. His global fame brings significant commercial benefits, from jersey sales to sponsorship deals, which makes it financially appealing to keep him in the squad. Yet, this economic incentive could conflict with the team’s long-term sporting goals, as younger players who might contribute more to the team’s success could be sidelined in favour of maintaining Ronaldo’s star power.