Portugal has a World Cup problem. And it’s bad news for Ronaldo fans

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the highest-paid athlete who also boasts the largest social media following among all celebrities globally.

- Rituraj Borkakoty

But none of this will matter at the 2026 Fifa World Cup if the Portuguese icon fails to rediscover the form that once made him a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

There was a beeline of Nigerian players eager to take pictures with the former Real Madrid star after Portugal’s 2-1 win over the African team in their final warm-up game ahead of their opening World Cup match against Congo.

But the aura of the superstar failed to mask the frailties that Ronaldo has been grappling with in recent times as an athlete.

There was a huge roar from the capacity crowd at Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, in Leiria, Portugal, when Ronaldo was named in the starting XI by head coach Roberto Martinez.

The final game on home soil before the big event in North America allowed Portuguese fans to cheer for their national icon.

But Ronaldo endured a miserable night, missing two easy opportunities with poor finishes, clearly lacking the sharpness that once made him such a lethal finisher.

Portugal won the match — 2-1 — but Ronaldo’s poor performance has now raised some serious questions.

Since joining as the head coach in 2023, Martinez has done a wonderful job in building a solid national team with a fine blend of attack and defence.