Portugal coach Roberto Martinez urged to drop Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann has sparked controversy by suggesting that Portugal manager Roberto Martinez should consider replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Hamann believes that Ronaldo’s influence on the team is waning and that younger players like Goncalo Ramos deserve a chance to shine.

Hamann’s comments come after Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s latest Nations League outing against Denmark.

While Ronaldo did score in the 5-2 win, he also missed a penalty, raising questions about his reliability in big games.

“He still scores goals but they have good forwards like Goncalo Ramos who can’t get a game, I think it’s time for someone else to have a chance to shine in the team”, said Hamann.

Ronaldo, who recently received a Guinness World Record award for the most international wins with 132, shows no signs of retiring anytime soon. However, Hamann believes that his impact at the World Cup will be limited.

“If we see him at the World Cup, I’d be very surprised if he had a big impact,” Hamann mentioned.

This assessment is likely to spark debate among football fans, who are divided on Ronaldo’s continued relevance at the highest level.

Martinez will have to weigh his options carefully as he prepares his team for the World Cup.

While Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring ability are undeniable assets, Hamann’s comments highlight the need for Portugal to look to the future and give younger players a chance to shine.

Ultimately, the decision on Ronaldo’s role in the team will depend on Martinez’s tactical vision and his assessment of the player’s form and fitness.