'Time for someone else to have a chance' — Portugal manager urged to replace Ronaldo ahead of 2026 World Cup for better team prospects

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has come under pressure to make a bold decision ahead of the 2026 World Cup – replacing Cristiano Ronaldo with a younger forward to give his team the best chance of success.

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‎'Cristiano Ronaldo.'

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‎Cristiano Ronaldo, who has led Portugal to victory in both the European Championship and Nations League, has yet to capture the elusive World Cup. However, as the Al-Nassr forward turns 40, questions are being raised about his ability to compete at the highest level. His physical decline and reduced influence on the pitch are becoming increasingly apparent.

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‎Several former players and pundits, including ex-Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, have voiced concerns over Ronaldo's place in the national team. Speaking to CardPlayer.com, Hamann noted, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at the last European Championship was limited, and considering he will be another year older by the 2026 World Cup, his influence will likely decrease further. While he can still score goals, Portugal has promising forwards like Goncalo Ramos, who isn't getting enough opportunities. It may be time to let someone else take the reins as the team's main striker. I’d be surprised if Ronaldo has a major impact at the next World Cup.”

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‎Hamann's comments echo the growing sentiment that Ronaldo's ongoing involvement with the national team may be stifling the development of younger talents like Ramos and Francisco Trincao. For Martinez, the decision of whether to continue relying on Ronaldo or to embrace the next generation of players will be crucial in Portugal's pursuit of World Cup glory in 2026, when Ronaldo will be 41.

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‎While Ronaldo shows no sign of retiring soon, even recently setting a Guinness World Record for the most international wins, he remains an integral part of the Portugal squad. His record-breaking goal in Portugal's 5-2 Nations League win over Denmark demonstrated his continued goal-scoring abilities, despite missing a penalty. However, with the World Cup approaching, Martinez will need to carefully assess whether Ronaldo's role in the team is still in its best interest.

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‎As Portugal looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the debate continues on whether the team should continue to build around its aging superstar or embrace a new, younger offensive lineup for a fresh start. SA