A familiar debate at recent major tournaments has centered on whether Ronaldo should start. He holds the men’s international scoring record with 146 goals, but critics argue his overall impact has diminished. Given his immense profile, Martinez appeared unwilling to leave him out.
Even so, a squad packed with elite defenders and midfielders would have expected more than a last-16 exit. Four players were involved in Paris St-Germain’s last two Champions League wins—left-back Nuno Mendes, midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves, and striker Goncalo Ramos, who joined AC Milan this summer. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes was named the Premier League’s player of the year.
“How did Goncalo Ramos not get on the pitch?” asked Sutton. “It’s an absolute embarrassment from the manager, just pandering to his star player. He’s the most decorated player that Portugal have ever had but you’ve got to be stronger than that.”
Ronaldo finished with three goals—a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty versus Croatia. Although 10 players scored more, only four registered more than his 18 shots. He attempted as many efforts as Erling Haaland, the joint top scorer on seven, but created just one chance for a teammate across five matches. And despite playing all but nine minutes of Portugal’s five games, 366 players had more touches than Ronaldo.
Martinez said: “When you need a goal you cannot take Cristiano off, at least in 90 minutes, he is physically capable — his presence, open space, dead-ball situations, we need his experience.”