Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has been urged to replace Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 World Cup to give his side the best chance of winning.
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Ronaldo still involved on international stageScoring goals but having less impact in big gamesMartinez urged to replace talisman for World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo has led his country to Euros and Nations League titles during his international career but the World Cup remains the one big trophy to elude him. However, at 40, the Al-Nassr star is running out of time and his ability to compete at the top level appears to be decreasing by the day. Many ex-players and pundits, including former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, believe it is time for someone else to have a go as Portugal's leading forward.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT HAMANN SAID
Speaking to CardPlayer.com, the former Germany international said: "Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence was very limited at the last Euros and I think you have to keep in mind at this World Cup, he is another year older.
"He still scores goals but they have good forwards like Goncalo Ramos who can’t get a game, I think it’s time for someone else to have a chance to shine in the team. If we see him at the World Cup, I’d be very surprised if he had a big impact."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Some believe that Ronaldo's continued involvement in the national team set-up is hindering the involvement and progress of many young talents, including Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Trincao. Martinez has a big decision to make if he is going to give Portugal the best chance of winning the World Cup in 2026, when Ronaldo will be 41.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
The football icon has left no hint of hanging up his boots in the next 12 months and he may even be re-energised after being handed a Guinness World Record award for the most international wins with 132, surpassing former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos. Ronaldo was on the scoresheet as Portugal beat Denmark 5-2 after extra time in their latest Nations League outing, but he also missed a penalty.
