Boateng urges Ronaldo to accept bench role for Portugal at 2026 World Cup

Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener has renewed debate over Cristiano Ronaldo’s role, with former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng suggesting the 41-year-old may need to sacrifice his starting spot for the good of the collective.

Boateng said the Al-Nassr forward creates an unhealthy tactical gravity that pressures teammates to find him and argued: "Can I be honest? Ronaldo, if he were a true team player, would step aside and let the young players shine." He added, "Portugal is a better team without him," echoing the debate from Qatar 2022 when Portugal's best attacking performance came with Ronaldo started on the bench against Switzerland.

While remaining a "big fan" of what Ronaldo has achieved, Boateng said Martinez must use him more sparingly. "If Portugal wants to have a chance to go far, I believe Ronaldo should step aside.

Portugal

cristiano ronaldo, kevin-prince boateng, portugal, 2026 world, dr congo, al-nassr, bench role, tactical gravity, martinez, qatar 2022