Following Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener, former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has ignited a debate by suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo should accept a bench role.
Boateng's argument centers on the belief that the veteran forward, despite his immense legendary status, has become a tactical impediment. He contends that Ronaldo's presence in the starting lineup creates undue pressure on his teammates to constantly seek him out with passes, potentially stifling the team's overall attacking fluidity.
"A better team without him!" Boateng emphatically stated, suggesting that Portugal's chances of success in the upcoming World Cup could be significantly enhanced if Ronaldo were to sacrifice his starting position. This would, in turn, allow younger talents within the squad to gain more experience and express themselves more freely on the field.
Furthermore, Boateng proposed a strategic role for the iconic forward, envisioning him as a potent 'impact sub.' This would involve Ronaldo coming off the bench in the latter stages of matches, perhaps in the final 15-20 minutes, where his experience and proven ability to deliver under pressure could make a decisive difference.
This perspective is not entirely new, as similar discussions arose during the 2022 World Cup. Notably, Portugal's most impressive attacking performance in that tournament came in the knockout match against Switzerland, a game where Cristiano Ronaldo was notably benched.
Despite making history as the oldest outfield player at 41 during the DR Congo match, Ronaldo's individual performance was widely perceived as subdued. He registered his lowest-ever touch count in a major tournament fixture, signaling a potential dip in his on-field influence.
However, Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, has publicly defended his captain. Martinez's stance suggests that Ronaldo remains a key figure in his plans, and the veteran forward is expected to retain his starting spot for the upcoming match against Uzbekistan, despite the growing calls for a tactical shift.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo's role highlights the perennial challenge of integrating aging legends into modern, dynamic teams, especially as major tournaments loom.
