Oleg Romantsev, the former manager of Spartak Moscow, recently shared a blunt assessment about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role with the Portugal national team. He noted that if he were in charge, he would not bench a player of Ronaldo’s magnitude. Romantsev argued that there are unspoken rules in football that demand star players of Ronaldo’s caliber receive the utmost respect on the pitch, and that a coach should never deal them a public snub or harsh treatment. He added that if a player is fit, a coach should guarantee him a place in the lineup, unless a deeper, undisclosed reason justifies a different decision. This reflection came through in a broader discussion about managing elite talent in national teams and the delicate balance between strategy and star power.
The World Cup quarterfinal match in Qatar on December 10 saw Portugal suffer a 0-1 defeat to Morocco, a result that kept Ronaldo on the substitutes’ bench for most of the game. He entered the field only in the 51st minute, but did not have an opportunity to imprint his influence on the contest. Earlier, in the round of 16 against Switzerland, Ronaldo was likewise left on the bench for a portion of the match. Officials and observers debated whether his absence from the starting XI affected Portugal’s performance, while Ronaldo himself remained focused on his role as a veteran presence and a goal-scoring threat when called upon.
For Ronaldo, this World Cup marked his fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage. Across his World Cup campaigns, he has consistently found the back of the net, tallying goals in multiple editions and adding to a storied international career that began with his senior debut for Portugal in 2003. While debate about his plans for future World Cups continues in the media, Ronaldo is widely recognized for maintaining a remarkably long span at the highest level, adapting his game with age and contributing to his national team in ways that extend beyond mere goal scoring. His ongoing involvement with Portugal has remained a focal point of national team discussions, with fans and pundits alike analyzing his impact, leadership, and longevity.
Earlier discussions surrounding Ronaldo’s role and Portugal’s World Cup qualification journey have continued to shape the public narrative around the player. As Portugal pursues continued success on the international stage, the conversation often revisits how managers balance respect for veteran players with strategic rotations and the development of newer talents. Ronaldo’s career arc—from a breakout teenager to a seasoned captain—serves as a case study in durability, adaptation, and the evolving expectations placed on modern football stars. (Citation: Sport Express)