'Grandad' Ronaldo the reason why Portugal are out the World Cup, says pundit

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FT Desk

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo were a major reason for Portugal's exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Prior to the tournament beginning, there were concerns about whether 41-year-old Ronaldo could still lead the line in an international tournament and those concerns gained traction with each passing game.

He did score three goals at the World Cup, but he didn't contribute anything in other aspects of the game and his performances received savage criticism online.

There was a clamour from some for Goncalo Ramos to start Portugal's Round of 16 game against Spain, especially after his heroic injury-time winner against Croatia in the Round of 32, but head coach Roberto Martinez again went with Ronaldo up top.

The Al-Nassr superstar was again ineffective as Spain progressed after a late winner from Mikel Merino.

Ronaldo won't play at the World Cup again, and Martinez confirmed that was his last game in charge of Portugal.

"He's waddling around the field like a grandad, that's why Portugal are out," Sutton said on BBC 5 Live.

"Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much?

"Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez."

Post-match, Martinez was full of praise for Ronaldo, who cried on the pitch after the full-time whistle.

"We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup," the head coach insisted.

"His dream was to win this World Cup, he did this with an amazing example.

"He is a prime example of football and the human being that is behind that athlete."

0 - Cristiano Ronaldo is the only forward to play 500+ minutes across the 2022 and 2026 World Cup tournaments without successfully dribbling past an opponent.

Introvert. pic.twitter.com/S1dkK8sjTp

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2026

Sutton questioned why Ramos wasn't included in the starting XI against Spain and wasn't even brought onto the pitch as a substitute after scoring the winner against Croatia, coming on to replace Ronaldo.

"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."

Martinez made five changes during the game, but 41-year-old Ronaldo played every minute despite not laying a glove on the Spain defenders.

Since World Cup records began in 1966, no player has had more shots on goal in a single World Cup without setting up a chance for a team-mate than Ronaldo in 2026, with 17 strikes.

Next for CR7, he'll return to Al-Nassr where he'll be greeted by a new head coach as Ange Postecoglou was recently announced as the new boss of the Saudi Pro League side.