Portugal overcame a scare vs in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 to seal their place in the last 16. They next take on 2010 winners Spain for a place in the final eight.
began the tournament with zero goals in 1-1 draw vs DR Congo. He then netted a brace vs Uzbekistan as his team won 5-0 before failing to score in the goalless draw vs Colombia. In the Round of 32 game, he converted a penalty and Portugal eventually won 2-1.
Why Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic Unimpressed?
But one man who is unimpressed by Ronaldo in this World Cup is former Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic has made a massive claim that Ronaldo’s ego is holding Portugal back. Ronaldo is 41 and is playing his sixth and last World Cup.
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Does Zlatan Ibrahimovic Have a Point?
“Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack. Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored. This isn’t ‘legendary leadership.’ It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage. Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Now he’s just in the box… At this point, his aura is supporting him more than his legs. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia-driven madness,” he said while speaking to Fox Sports.
Way Behind in Race for Golden Boot
With just three goals in this edition, Ronaldo is way behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and who have scored seven each. Harry Kane is also ahead of him with six. In fact, the goal vs Croatia was Ronaldo’s first-ever in the World Cup knockout stage. At the moment, he has 11 World Cup goals in 26 games.
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Redemption After 20 Years?
The 41-year-old is in search of his 1st World Cup title. The closest he came was in his 1st outing 20 years ago when Portugal made it to the semifinal for the first time since 1966. If Portugal beat Spain, they shall make it to the last eight, just like they did in 2022. It will also take Ronaldo closer to the maiden crown.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Mission FIFA World Cup 2026
Ronaldo led Portugal to their maiden European Championship in 10 years. Now he will look to add the World Cup to his collection as well. The legend has the most international goals and caps in men’s football with 146 and 232 respectively. He’s closing in on the milestone of 150 goals and will be the first man to achieve that feat. He has a maximum of four games to do it in FIFA World Cup 2026. There’s also a chance of a face-off with Messi in the final and a clash with Mbappe in the semis. It remains to be seen how far all these players go in the competition.