Cristiano Ronaldo’s Decline: Why Portugal’s Star May Be Past His Prime—and What It Means for the World Cup
GREENSBORO — Portugal’s 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the World Cup has reignited debate over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the age of 41. Experts, former players, and pundits now question whether his declining performance could cost Portugal a deep tournament run, with calls growing for him to step aside. While stars like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe have dominated early World Cup matches, Ronaldo’s struggles—including a lackluster showing against Congo—have left critics questioning his role in Portugal’s squad.
According to Nettavisen, former AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng argued that Ronaldo’s presence may be holding back younger Portuguese players. “If Ronaldo was a true team player, he’d step aside and let the younger guys shine,” Boateng told SBS. “Portugal is better without him.” Boateng suggested Ronaldo should limit his involvement to the final 15–20 minutes of games, acknowledging that “we must be honest—his peak is behind him.”
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### Why Is Ronaldo’s Performance Under Scrutiny Now?
Ronaldo’s World Cup form has been inconsistent, with critics pointing to his missed chances and reduced impact compared to his prime. In the Congo match, Portugal created multiple scoring opportunities, but Ronaldo failed to capitalize, leading former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to criticize his “ego-driven” approach.
“The biggest chances fell to their most experienced player, and he didn’t take any,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “Portugal had the game, but the focus was too much on Ronaldo scoring for himself, not the team.” Carragher, who also played for England, added that Ronaldo’s continued presence could damage his legacy. “He should step away. Keeping him in this form will only hurt his reputation.”
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo’s age has been a topic of discussion. In 2022, at age 37, he scored a hat-trick in the Euro final but also missed a penalty in the shootout. Since then, his goal-scoring rate has dropped, with The Athletic reporting that his average goals per game in club football have fallen from 0.6 in 2017–18 to 0.3 in 2023–24.
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### How Do Other Legends Compare to Ronaldo’s Late-Career Decline?
Ronaldo isn’t the first superstar to face criticism for overstaying his prime. Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, now 38, has also been questioned about his longevity. After joining the MLS side DC United, Rooney’s goal-scoring output dropped significantly, with BBC Sport noting a 40% decline in assists and goals compared to his Premier League peak.
Similarly, Thierry Henry, now a pundit for Fox Sports, has been vocal about Ronaldo’s self-centered play. “It’s not about him needing to score—it’s about the team needing to score,” Henry said. “That’s the difference between a legend and a player who’s past his best.”
Yet, some argue that Ronaldo’s ability to still perform at a high level—even if not at his peak—is remarkable. According to ESPN, only five players in history (Pelé, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Ferenc Puskás, and Ronaldo himself) have scored 100+ international goals. At 41, Ronaldo remains one of the few athletes in any sport to maintain elite-level competition at such an advanced age.
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### What Could This Mean for Portugal’s World Cup Campaign?
Portugal’s World Cup group stage includes tough opponents like Switzerland and Uruguay. If Ronaldo continues to underperform, Portugal’s chances of advancing could be at risk. According to Marca, Portugal’s starting XI without Ronaldo would include younger talents like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão—players who have shown growth under manager Roberto Martínez.
Nuno Saraiva, a columnist for A Bola, Portugal’s top sports newspaper, went further, writing, “Thank you, Cristiano. Now it’s time to go.” His opinion reflects a growing sentiment in Portugal that Ronaldo’s presence is more of a liability than an asset. “The focus on him has created a mental block for the team,” Saraiva added.
If Ronaldo were to step aside, Portugal’s attack could shift toward a more balanced, youth-driven approach. However, his experience in big games remains invaluable—especially in a tournament like the World Cup, where clutch performances often decide outcomes.
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### Did You Know? The Numbers Behind Ronaldo’s Late-Career Decline
⚽ Goals per 90 minutes (2023–24 vs. 2017–18):
- 2017–18 (age 32–33): 0.6 goals per 90
- 2023–24 (age 38–39): 0.3 goals per 90 (a 50% drop)
📊 Assists per 90 minutes (2023–24 vs. 2017–18):
- 2017–18: 0.15 assists per 90
- 2023–24: 0.08 assists per 90 (a 47% drop)
Source: FBref, The Athletic
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### Pro Tip: How Teams Manage Aging Superstars
Not all teams handle aging stars the same way. Here’s how some have adapted:
- Barcelona (Messi’s Farewell): When Lionel Messi retired in 2021, Barcelona transitioned smoothly by promoting younger players like Pedri and Gavi, who filled the creative void.
- Manchester United (Rooney’s Transition): After Rooney left for DC United, United shifted to a more youthful attack with players like Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.
- Real Madrid (Ronaldo’s Role in 2022): Even at 37, Ronaldo was still a key player, but Madrid’s reliance on him led to inconsistency. His departure in 2022 allowed the team to rebuild with Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr.
Portugal’s approach will be critical—will they phase Ronaldo out gradually, or risk his decline costing them the World Cup?
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### FAQ: What You Need to Know About Ronaldo’s Future and Portugal’s World Cup
1. Is Ronaldo’s World Cup performance really that bad?
Compared to his prime, yes. While he still scores, his efficiency has dropped. In the 2022 World Cup, he scored twice in five games. This year, his impact has been limited, with critics noting missed chances and reduced influence on the pitch.
2. Could Portugal still win the World Cup without Ronaldo?
It’s possible. Portugal has depth, with players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão capable of carrying the attack. However, Ronaldo’s experience in big games remains a wildcard—his presence could still make a difference in knockout stages.
3. Will Ronaldo retire after the World Cup?
Unlikely. Ronaldo has repeatedly stated he wants to play the 2026 World Cup. However, if his form continues to decline, pressure from fans, pundits, and even his own team could force a sooner exit.
4. How does Ronaldo’s decline compare to other aging footballers?
Ronaldo’s case is unique because of his longevity. Most superstars retire by their late 30s (e.g., Messi at 34, Rooney at 38). Ronaldo’s ability to still perform at a high level—even if not at his peak—is rare in modern football.
5. What’s next for Portugal if Ronaldo steps aside?
Portugal would likely shift to a more youthful, dynamic attack. Players like Rafael Leão (24) and Bernardo Silva (26) could take on bigger roles, while midfielders like Bruno Fernandes (29) would need to step up as playmakers.
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### Reader Question: “Should Ronaldo Be Dropped from Portugal’s Squad?”
We asked football analysts for their take:
— João Moutinho (Former Portugal Midfielder)
“Ronaldo’s experience is invaluable, but if he’s not delivering, we need to be honest. Portugal has young talent—let them lead. The World Cup isn’t about one man; it’s about the team.”
— Ricardo Quaresma (Former Portugal Winger)
“I’ve played with him for years. He’s still a great player, but at 41, his body isn’t what it was. The team needs to move on. It’s not about disrespect—it’s about winning.”
What do you think? Should Ronaldo be benched for Portugal’s next World Cup match? Share your thoughts below.
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### Explore More: How Other Teams Handle Aging Stars
Curious about how other football clubs manage their veteran players? Check out:
- How Barcelona Transitioned After Messi’s Retirement
- Why Rooney’s Move to MLS Changed Manchester United’s Strategy
- The Rise of Young Stars: How Clubs Are Phasing Out Aging Legends
Don’t miss our World Cup 2026 Preview—where the next generation of football stars will take center stage.