Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, saying the team should not depend on the 41-year-old as their starting striker.
Although Portugal secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia to reach the Round of 16, Ibrahimovic believes the team needs to look beyond Ronaldo if it wants to win the tournament.
Ibrahimovic Questions Portugal’s Strategy
Speaking about Portugal’s World Cup campaign, Ibrahimovic said Ronaldo is no longer the player he once was and believes age has affected his movement and overall impact.
According to him, Portugal cannot expect to lift the World Cup trophy while relying on a 41-year-old striker to lead the attack.
“Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack. Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored,” Ibrahimovic told Goal.com.
“His Aura Is Bigger Than His Legs”
The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker also claimed that Ronaldo is being picked more because of his legendary status than his current performances.
Ibrahimovic argued that the Portugal captain no longer possesses the same mobility or finishing ability that made him one of football’s greatest forwards.
“This isn’t legendary leadership. It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage. Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Now he’s just in the box. At this point, his aura is supporting him more than his legs. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia-driven madness,” he added.
Ronaldo Reached a Historic Milestone
Despite the criticism, Ronaldo played a crucial role in Portugal’s victory over Croatia.
The veteran forward scored from the penalty spot to level the match after Croatia had taken the lead.
The goal carried special significance because it was Ronaldo’s first-ever strike in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
He achieved the milestone during his record-extending sixth World Cup appearance.
Portugal Seal Dramatic Victory
Portugal completed the comeback in stoppage time.
Substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home the winning goal in the 94th minute after Rafael Leão delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area.
Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Joško Gvardiol found the net deep into added time.
However, a lengthy VAR review ruled out the goal after Igor Matanović was found to be offside during the build-up.
As a result, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory and maintained their unbeaten record against Croatia in competitive matches.
Tough Test Against Spain Awaits
Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16 in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
The all-Iberian clash is scheduled to take place on July 7, with both teams aiming to book a place in the quarter-finals.
While Ibrahimovic has questioned Ronaldo’s place in the starting lineup, Portugal will hope their experienced captain can continue delivering in the knockout stages as they chase World Cup glory.