World Cup 2026: Ronaldo’s World Cup career ends in tears as ‘pathetic’ Martinez leaves

A major recurring theme in the last few major tournaments has been whether Ronaldo should start.

He has scored 146 goals for his country, a record in men’s international football – but recently critics have suggested he offers little else.

And with fame and status that transcended the game, Martinez seemingly didn’t dare let him down.

But a team filled with some of the best defenders and midfielders in the world expected to do better than making the last 16.

Four of the squad have helped Paris Saint-Germain win the last two Champions League titles – left-back Nuno Mendes, midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves and striker Goncalo Ramos, who joined AC Milan this summer.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes was the Premier League Player of the Year.

“How come Goncalo Ramos didn’t get on the field?” asked Sutton.

“It’s an absolute disgrace from the manager, just pandering to his star player.

“He is the most decorated player in Portugal but you have to be stronger than him.”

Ronaldo finished the tournament with three goals, a double against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia.

But despite 10 players scoring more goals, only four players at the 2026 World Cup had more shots than Ronaldo’s 18.

Ronaldo had the same number of attempts as joint top scorer Erling Haaland with seven goals.

He created just one chance for a teammate in his five games by comparison.

Despite playing all nine minutes of Portugal’s five matches, almost 366 more players touched the ball than Ronaldo at the World Cup.

Martinez said: “When you need a goal you can’t leave Cristiano out, at least for 90 minutes, he’s physically capable – his presence, open spaces, dead-ball situations, we need his experience.”