As the Portugal national team prepares for the next World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the center of debate. Fans and experts are divided over the legendary striker's role in the squad. Coach Paulo Fonseca, known for his work with clubs like Lille and Milan, shared his perspective on the matter, answering the question of whether Ronaldo brings benefit or harm to the team. This is reported by Goal.com .
Under the leadership of Roberto Martinez, Portugal will head to the 2026 World Cup with a blend of experience and youthful energy. Although 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo remains the team captain and the greatest goalscorer in history, his inclusion in the squad raises questions about the team's tactical flexibility. The forward, currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, is still considered the undisputed leader of the attack.
While some critics argue that Ronaldo's presence on the pitch limits the team's play, Paulo Fonseca disagrees. In an interview with the newspaper "A BOLA", he said: "How can a player who scores so many goals be a problem? He brings not only goals to the team but also protection through his leadership and influence. A player of this caliber is only an asset to the group."
Fonseca preferred to be cautious when discussing Portugal's chances of winning the title. In his opinion, the current squad might be the strongest in the country's history, but that does not make them clear favorites. The coach emphasized that integrating stars playing in different clubs into a single tactical system in a short time is a complex task for any manager.
The Portugal national team saw their run end in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup after a defeat to Morocco. Now, Roberto Martinez faces the task of unleashing the full potential of a "golden generation" featuring stars like Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias, while maintaining the respect due to the legendary Ronaldo.
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