Cristiano Ronaldo's underwhelming display against DR Congo has put the Portugal captain under scrutiny after their disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup. Entering the match as heavy favourites, Portugal were expected to dominate proceedings with the quality at their disposal, but they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the scanner after the poor start in World Cup. (AP)
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The Portuguese struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their star-studded midfield trio of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves unable to produce the creativity needed to break down a disciplined DR Congo defence. Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a quiet outing in front of goal and failed to register a single shot on target. After the final whistle, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner faced criticism over his positioning and lack of influence in attack, while manager Roberto Martinez was also questioned for keeping Ronaldo on the pitch despite Portugal's struggles. The result has sparked fresh debate over whether Portugal need to rethink their approach with their veteran captain leading the line.
DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau was asked about going up against one of football's greatest-ever players after his side held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. While praising Ronaldo's legendary career and status in the game, Mukau admitted that age has naturally affected the Portugal captain's physicality and ability to make the same efforts he once did.
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“To be honest, not really, because we know he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now, but he’s still one of the best to ever play the game. When you get older, it’s not the same - you can’t make the same efforts," DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau said after the match.
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“To be honest, not really, because we know he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now, but he’s still one of the best to ever play the game. When you get older, it’s not the same - you can’t make the same efforts," DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau said after the match.
Mukau's comments reflected Ronaldo's struggles in Portugal's World Cup opener. The veteran forward managed just 25 touches throughout the match and failed to make a telling impact in attack. His goalless outing also extended his wait for a goal in major international tournaments, with Ronaldo now without a strike in 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup and European Championship matches.
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The 41-year-old forward hasn't scored a non-penalty goal at a World Cup or European Championship since June 2021, but Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said removing him was never a serious consideration while Portugal chased a winner.
"It makes no sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals," Martinez said.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/Cristiano Ronaldo's struggles summed up by DR Congo star's honest verdict: 'He isn't the same'
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