Are Portugal Better Without Ronaldo? And Is He Undroppable?

Are Portugal better without Ronaldo – Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his sixth appearance at the World Cup for Portugal, a feat that underscores his enduring presence in international football. Yet, the journey to this milestone began with a seemingly unremarkable match—a game that might have been forgotten in the annals of football history. Held in early 2003 against Kazakhstan, a nation that had recently joined UEFA, the match drew a modest crowd of 8,000 fans and took place on a pitch so worn that grass was even painted to enhance its appearance. Despite the lackluster conditions, Portugal’s narrow 1-0 victory in Chaves remains etched in the memory of the nation, marking the day Ronaldo’s story with the senior team truly took flight.

Three years after that early game, the future of Portuguese football seemed uncertain. Few could have imagined a young forward from Madeira would one day become a global icon, let alone participate in a record sixth World Cup alongside Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa. However, Ronaldo’s relentless drive and unparalleled goal-scoring ability have redefined the sport for Portugal. As the all-time leading scorer in international football with 143 goals, he has not only elevated the country’s status on the world stage but also transformed the collective mindset of its fans and players.

“We are a small country that rarely has global impact outside football,” said Joao Aroso, a former collaborator with Ronaldo at Sporting and the national team. “Cristiano allows our small country to be known worldwide for something great—because of all the positive things he stands for.”

Ronaldo’s dominance has long been a subject of debate. In his first five World Cups, the 41-year-old consistently arrived as the focal point of Portugal’s attack, his status untouchable. Yet, the scrutiny surrounding his role has grown sharper since the 2022 tournament. While some once viewed questioning his place in the squad as almost treasonous, the conversation has evolved. Critics now argue that his reliance on individual brilliance sometimes overshadows team cohesion, but his supporters remain unwavering.

Antonio Simoes, a Portugal player from the 1966 World Cup, offered a poignant perspective on the evolving narrative. “He doesn’t play to win, he plays to be the main figure,” Simoes noted. “Do you understand that it’s the opposite of Eusebio? Let’s call things by their name.” Despite his admiration for Ronaldo, Simoes acknowledged the need for balance, stating, “I can still see, I can still hear and I can still think. But I can’t run away from the reality of the facts.”

Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, has consistently defended Ronaldo’s indispensability, dismissing the debate as “lift talk.” In recent interviews, he highlighted the forward’s current form: 25 goals in his past 31 games for the Selecao. “We are talking about the greatest player of all time,” Martinez explained. “He is here because he is still performing at a very high level, not because of what he achieved in the past.” This statistic reinforces Ronaldo’s role as Portugal’s linchpin, even as the team seeks to challenge its historical limitations.

“Cristiano understands the big moments better than almost anyone in football,” said former Portugal international Abel Xavier. “That experience can be decisive in a World Cup.”

Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond goals. His presence on the field is a psychological anchor for younger players, who often emulate his work ethic and composure. “His presence is very important,” Xavier added. “People focus on the physical side, but there is also the technical side and especially the mental side. The younger players look up to him, and he always gives something to the team.” This intangible value is something even his critics cannot deny.

Former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo, who witnessed Ronaldo’s international debut in 2003 and now serves on the coaching staff, echoed similar sentiments. “The speed may no longer be quite the same,” Ricardo observed. “Instead of running at 200km/h, he is running at 195km/h now. It is still incredibly high.” He emphasized that as long as Ronaldo’s physical, technical, and mental qualities remain intact, he continues to pose a formidable threat. “With him, danger is never far away,” Ricardo concluded.

Despite occasional absences due to injury or suspension, Ronaldo has remained central to Portugal’s campaign under Martinez. The coach has managed the team’s strategy with an eye on maximizing Ronaldo’s contributions, though his absence in key matches has revealed the squad’s depth. For example, Portugal’s 9-0 rout of Luxembourg in Faro in September 2023 and the 9-1 victory over Armenia in Porto last November both occurred without the star forward, showcasing the team’s ability to thrive even in his absence. However, these moments also highlight the tension between relying on Ronaldo and building a more balanced squad.

Ronaldo has confirmed this World Cup will be his final appearance, a decision that adds both urgency and emotional weight to his role. While his physical peak has waned, his experience and leadership remain undimmed. The Al-Nassr star’s ultimate goal—helping Portugal win its first World Cup—has become the focus of the nation’s hopes. Whether the team is better without him or undroppable with him is a question that will be answered in the coming months as they face DR Congo on 17 June.

Ronaldo’s journey from a modest debut in 2003 to a record-breaking sixth World Cup encapsulates the evolution of Portuguese football. His legacy is not just about statistics, but about redefining what is possible for a nation once seen as a footballing backwater. As the team embarks on this new chapter, the debate over his value will persist, but one thing is clear: his impact on the game and the country remains unparalleled.