You’ve been trying to kill me for 23 years’ – should Ronaldo start?

You ve been trying to kill – Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign has sparked intense discussions about his role on the field. As the 41-year-old prepares for Portugal’s pivotal clash against Spain, his age and recent performances have reignited debates over whether he should continue as a starter. Despite scoring three goals in the tournament, critics argue his contributions have waned, while his supporters insist his experience and leadership remain indispensable.

“I am not the player I used to be,” Ronaldo admitted during a pre-match press conference. “But you must have seen that trying to bring me down for 23 years is a waste of time. You try and try and try, but it’s not worth it. I’ll stop when I choose, not when you decide.” The five-time Champions League winner, who confirmed this would be his last World Cup, added: “This will be my last game, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last moment on the pitch.”

Ronaldo’s journey to the World Cup stage has been marked by resilience and reinvention. Seven months before his 42nd birthday, his tenure as Portugal’s captain and iconic figure is nearing its end. While his sister had previously hinted that this tournament would be his “last dance,” the captain’s latest comments suggest he’s determined to prove his value, even as fatigue and age take their toll.

In the recent encounter with Croatia, a dramatic moment occurred when Ivan Perisic’s goal gave the hosts the lead. At that point, it seemed Ronaldo’s 232nd appearance for his country might be his final one. However, the Portuguese star equalized from the penalty spot, marking his first goal in the knockout stages since 2018. Head coach Roberto Martinez, who has taken charge since 2023, opted to bring him off, a decision that proved pivotal as substitute Goncalo Ramos sealed Portugal’s advancement in a chaotic finish. The move raised questions about whether Ronaldo should be kept on the bench for the upcoming match against Spain.

“I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40,” Ronaldo remarked. “Criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this. Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ll leave with a clear conscience—not 100% but 1,000% because I gave everything in football and life.”

Ronaldo’s career has been defined by milestones that few could have imagined. As the all-time leading scorer in international football with 146 goals, he has reshaped the national team’s identity, pushing Portugal to new heights. Yet, the question remains: has his dominance overshadowed the potential of younger players, or is his presence still irreplaceable?

The debate over Ronaldo’s role has been fueled by contrasting perspectives. Antonio Simoes, a former Portugal player who reached the third round in 1966, noted: “He doesn’t play to win, he plays to be the main figure. Do you understand that it’s the opposite of Eusebio? Let’s call things by their name. I have nothing against him. I can still see, hear, and think, but I can’t run away from the reality of the facts.”

Ronaldo’s recent performances have been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. In the United States and Canada, he found the net three times, adding to his historic record of scoring in all six World Cups he has participated in. From a penalty against Iran in 2006 to a hat-trick against Spain in 2018 and a decisive goal against Morocco in 2018, his goal-scoring prowess has remained unmatched. Even in Qatar 2022, his sole goal came from a penalty against Ghana, underscoring his reliance on clinical finishing as his physicality declines.

Despite his occasional struggles, Ronaldo’s leadership continues to inspire. Head coach Roberto Martinez emphasized his importance, stating: “His leadership and work in the final third are still among the best in the world. I’ve made the decision to start him because of his impact on the team.” Martinez, who took over Portugal in 2023 after guiding Belgium to a European Championship, has relied heavily on Ronaldo’s experience. The captain has featured in 36 of Portugal’s 44 games this cycle, with absences primarily due to injury or suspension.

However, there are moments where his absence has been noticeable. Portugal’s most decisive victory of the tournament, a 9-0 rout of Luxembourg in Faro in September 2023, came without Ronaldo. Similarly, a 9-1 triumph over Armenia in Porto last November showcased the team’s ability to thrive when he’s not involved. These wins have prompted some to question whether the team can succeed without its talisman, but they also highlight the squad’s growing depth.

Ronaldo’s journey has been one of constant reinvention. From the 2006 World Cup in Germany to the 2018 tournament in Russia, he has adapted to the evolving demands of the game. Even in the face of criticism, he remains unshaken, using his platform to defend his place in the team. His ability to score under pressure, as seen in the Croatia match, suggests that his instincts are still sharp, even if his physical attributes have diminished.

The upcoming match against Spain in Texas is a critical test. With the stakes high and time limited, the decision to start Ronaldo could determine Portugal’s fate. Critics argue that his age may hinder his performance, but his track record of success in every World Cup he has played in counters that narrative. Whether he can carry his team to the next stage will depend on his ability to balance his legacy with the team’s needs. As the final chapter of his World Cup journey unfolds, the world watches closely to see if he can continue to deliver under the spotlight.

Meanwhile, the VAR controversy in the Croatia game has added another layer to the discussion. A controversial “Snicko” call extended Ronaldo’s final dance, but it also highlighted the team’s reliance on his experience. The debate over his role is not just about his ability to score—it’s about whether his leadership and presence can still shape the outcome of crucial matches. As Portugal steps onto the field, the answer may lie in the final whistle.