Roberto Martínez attempted to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup, but the team captain refused to leave the pitch, according to former assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho. The refusal highlights ongoing challenges in managing the veteran forward’s playing time and ambitions on the national team.
Ricardo Carvalho Details the Uzbekistan World Cup Substitution Refusal
During the group-stage match against Uzbekistan, Portugal held a 3-0 lead while Ronaldo had already scored twice. Carvalho stated in an interview on John Obi Mikel’s podcast, The Obi One Podcast, that Martínez planned to withdraw the forward, but Ronaldo rejected the change. According to Maisfutebol, Carvalho quoted the player as saying, Ainda agora comecei a marcar golos, quero mais
(“I’ve only just started scoring goals, I want more”).
Balancing Star Ambition With Squad Management Under Roberto Martínez
Carvalho acknowledged that managing a prominent player creates difficulties for a coaching staff. A Bola reported that Carvalho noted a coach cannot offer equal support to all 26 players in a squad when special treatment surrounds one individual, making decisions complicated for other forwards waiting for minutes. SAPO noted Carvalho’s view that Martínez kept Ronaldo in the lineup because of his immense past contributions and importance to the squad over a three-to-four-year period. Carvalho admitted personally believing that Martínez should have substituted Ronaldo earlier and more often in matches, pointing out that aging players face physical limitations in tracking back when fatigued.
 "Photo: A Bola")
Contrasting Playing Styles Between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s overall career, Carvalho compared him to Lionel Messi during the interview. Notícias ao Minuto reported that Carvalho praised Ronaldo as the superior player in overall physical and aerial terms, stating he has the physique, the head… everything
while noting that Messi excels differently in one-on-one situations. Carvalho recalled witnessing unbelievable goals during their shared time at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2015, where Ronaldo regularly scored long-range shots from various angles. SAPO and Maisfutebol noted Carvalho’s observation that while the current player is not the same athlete he was a decade ago, his physical presence and aerial ability remain powerful assets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cristiano Ronaldo’s National Team Future
When does Ricardo Carvalho believe Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from international play?
Carvalho stated on The Obi One Podcast that Ronaldo will likely continue playing for the national team for at least another year, noting that the player has set specific personal targets. A Bola reported that Carvalho ruled out participation in the 2030 World Cup, as Ronaldo himself has deemed it impossible.
How frequently did Roberto Martínez actually substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during matches?
Carvalho revealed that Martínez only removed Ronaldo from a match on one notable occasion during their tenure, which occurred against Croatia when Gonçalo Ramos scored a goal, according to Notícias ao Minuto.
What is the status of Ronaldo’s relationship with the Portuguese Football Federation?
SAPO reported that Carvalho described Ronaldo as a major star in Portugal, adding his belief that the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is satisfied with the forward and considers his contributions valuable whenever he chooses to play.
