Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has voiced strong criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team during the 2026 World Cup. Scholes described the 41-year-old superstar as a ‘problem’ for manager Roberto Martinez, arguing that a player of that age should only be starting as a goalkeeper, not as a striker.
Ronaldo made history by appearing in his sixth World Cup, equaling Lionel Messi’s record, and captained Portugal in their opening group match against DR Congo. Despite a bright start with an early goal from Joao Neves, Portugal failed to secure a win, drawing 1-1 after Yoane Wissa equalized just before halftime. Ronaldo had a particularly poor first half, failing to create chances, take shots, complete a dribble, or win a duel.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes revealed he had previously asked Martinez off-camera if Ronaldo was a burden. ‘At 41 years of age, there’s only one position where a player that age should start, and that’s goalkeeper,’ Scholes said. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s goal-scoring ability and Portugal’s possession-based style but warned that in transition-heavy games, the veteran’s lack of mobility would be exposed.
Scholes, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United for six years, expressed sympathy for Martinez, suggesting the forward would be far more effective as a late substitute. ‘For a 40- or 41-year-old to be playing centre-forward, I just don’t get it,’ he added. ‘You might get away with it at centre-half or goalkeeper, but not as a striker.’ He also contrasted Ronaldo’s performance with that of Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick for Argentina, and Kylian Mbappe, who netted twice, implying that Ronaldo would be frustrated by their achievements.
Scholes concluded that while Martinez publicly defends Ronaldo as ‘the best goalscorer in the world,’ deep down he must realize that the 41-year-old’s presence is harming the team. Portugal, as 2025 Nations League champions, are among the tournament favorites but now face pressure to advance from the group stage.