07.07.2026 18:30
After Portugal's elimination from the FIFA 2026 World Cup, 41-year-old star Cristiano Ronaldo became the focus of criticism. In the country's media, a broad consensus emerged that Ronaldo should retire from the national team.
Portugal bid farewell to the tournament after losing 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16. Ineffective both in the match and throughout the tournament, Ronaldo became the target of harsh criticism from the Portuguese media.
RONALDO ASKED TO LEAVE THE TEAM
A Bola, one of the country's leading sports newspapers, published a very harsh article about Ronaldo. The newspaper openly called for the experienced star to leave the national team.
Here is that article where A Bola targeted Ronaldo:
''Cristiano Ronaldo, we don't want to kill you, but this is too much!
It is necessary to put an end to this cycle of the captain, which has already lasted far too long!
If a restructuring is needed on the bench, it is equally necessary on the field. And it is time for Cristiano Ronaldo to pass the baton! Because his ego prevents him from being a substitute for a player whose performance today is unparalleled.
What this World Cup would have been like without that morbid compulsion to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the field for 90 minutes will forever remain a mystery; not even Donald Trump can change that.''