Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked criticism from fans and pundits, with some questioning whether the 41-year-old should continue leading the national team.
Ronaldo failed to register a shot on target during the match in Houston as Portugal dropped points despite taking an early lead. The Portuguese captain has now gone five consecutive World Cup matches without scoring.
Portugal made a bright start when Joao Neves found the net in the sixth minute, but Roberto Martinez’s side failed to extend their advantage and were eventually pegged back by DR Congo.
The result led to a wave of critical reactions on social media, where several supporters expressed frustration with Ronaldo’s display.
“I don’t know if people are surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggle so far, but it is absolutely nothing new,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Ronaldo should know when to give up. He is no longer the player he once was and Portugal need to move forward.”
Former France striker Thierry Henry also criticised Ronaldo’s decision-making during a key second-half attack while Portugal searched for a winning goal.
Analysing the move, Henry pointed to a moment when Francisco Conceicao broke into the penalty area. Rather than moving towards the far post and creating space for Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo drifted into his teammate’s path before sending a tame effort wide of the net.
“Because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes,” Henry said. “It’s easier to defend. The team needs to score, not you.”
Despite the criticism, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his captain after the match.
“It makes no sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals,” Martinez said when asked about leaving Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals and became only the second player in football history to appear at six FIFA World Cups, joining Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
