Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what will almost certainly be his final dance on the World Cup stage, but his role with the Portugal national football team is once again coming under intense scrutiny.
As the Al-Nassr FC forward aims to win the only major trophy missing from his extraordinary career, former United States men’s national soccer team star Taylor Twellman has suggested that Ronaldo’s presence on the pitch could actually hinder a squad packed with world-class talent.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the debate over Ronaldo’s importance to Roberto Martínez’s team has reached boiling point.
Despite being the all-time leading scorer in international football, Twellman believes Portugal could be better off with their captain starting on the bench.
“This is the best team Ronaldo has ever had around him with Portugal heading into a World Cup. I think Portugal are at their best if he doesn’t play,” Twellman said.
The argument for a Ronaldo-free lineup is based on the remarkable depth Portugal currently possesses. Unlike previous tournaments, where the goalscoring burden rested almost entirely on CR7, Martínez now has a wealth of attacking options, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão.
The squad also boasts additional firepower through players such as Gonçalo Ramos and Pedro Neto, suggesting that the attacking unit could function effectively even without the 41-year-old veteran.
For Ronaldo, this tournament represents a historic milestone: his sixth World Cup appearance and likely his final opportunity to claim the only major honor that has eluded him throughout his legendary career.
