“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be good enough” - Portugal urged to not pick star man at 2026 FIFA World Cup by Julien Laurens
French journalist Julien Laurens has urged Portugal to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He believes that the Al-Nassr star is past his best and would bring down the team.
aking on ESPN, Laurens said that Ronaldo will be 41 when the next World Cup kicks off in 2026. He believes that it's time for the Portuguese star to follow the footsteps of Luis Suarez - who announced his international retirement - as he said:
"He'll be 41 (at the 2026 World Cup). I don't think he should be there (in the Portugal squad for the next World Cup). I don't think he will be good enough anymore in two years' time.
"Luis Suarez just announced his retirement from international football and what he said was basically that he can't do it at the World Cup in two years. He could still be playing in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, but he knows that in two years, it's too far for him and he won't be there."
He continued while acknowledging Ronaldo's brilliance:
"I think it's the same for Cristiano and it's true. He scored 900 goals, which means 45 goals for 20 seasons. Some of the top strikers in the world cannot score 45 goals in one season. It is remarkable, and we are not taking anything away from Cristiano by saying that (he shouldn't play at the next World Cup).
The World Cup is the best of the best. You play agains the best defenders, against the best countries and I don't think he can do it anymore. So why are they keeping him in the team now when they can focus on building an incredible squad over the next two years for the World Cup? "
However, he concluded:
"Portugal will be among the favourites. But Cristiano Ronaldo will not be good enough to lead the line there. We know that already," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a big part of Portugal's team and was in their EURO 2024 squad, where he drew blanks in five games. Nevertheless, manager Roberto Martinez has said that he still believes in the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
Cristiano Ronaldo open to playing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he wants to continue playing for his national team until the FIFA World Cup in 2026. He hasn't won the prestigious tournament but has won the UEFA EURO and UEFA Nations League trophy.
Leaving the door open for another World Cup appearance, he said in a recent interview:
"I feel good, almost good. But it’s 2026, and I can’t answer that question. The moment is good, and I’m living in the moment, which is very positive."
Ronaldo is looking to play an unprecedented six World Cups. Having first appeared in the 2006 edition, he's tied with Lothar Matthaus and Lionel Messi for playing in the most World Cup editions.