Former U.S. Soccer Star Suggests Big Cristiano Ronaldo Change

Portugal might have a Cristiano Ronaldo problem.

The longtime soccer star played the entirety of the team’s disappointing draw against Congo DR and failed to make an impact. When asked if Portugal is better when Ronaldo is not on the field, former U.S. star Taylor Twellman emphatically responded, “Yes.”

“I’ve said it now for six months. The last 10 major tournament games, 1,000-plus minutes, he has not scored a goal from the run of play,” Twellman said. “Father Time has knocked on the door, it’s made a phone call and someone from Portugal needs to pick up the phone and say to Cristiano, ‘You’re better coming off the bench.'”

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“I believe Roberto Martinez would be better suited, because this may be the deepest Portuguese team they've ever had at a World Cup, but I think they're better if Ronaldo comes off the bench,” he added.

He later admitted he doesn’t expect that to happen, though, which is on par with what Martinez said when responding to the criticism of Ronaldo’s play.

“In a game like today where we were finding it difficult to get into the box, DR Congo had a back five that at times was even a back six, they accumulated a lot of players,” Martinez said. “I think you could use the quality of Cristiano Ronaldo. It makes no sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out of a game that you need goals.”

Portugal faces off against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 8:02 AM.