Portugal’s Golden Generation Squandered by Martinez and Ronaldo at World Cup

Wayne Rooney called Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance a sad day for football. That doesn’t quite capture the full story. Despite Ronaldo’s legendary status, Spain's straightforward win over a lackluster Portugal, combined with Belgium’s strong showing against the United States, made July 6, 2026, an eventful day for the sport.

Millions of fans mourned the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. After the heartbreak in Qatar 2022, few expected him to reach a sixth tournament at 41 years old. This alone showed his resilience and dedication to fitness. Rooney described him as a genius and superstar, whose contribution to football is rare. Ronaldo believed he could win this World Cup; only one other shared that belief: Roberto Martinez.

The Real Tragedy: A Team Held Back

The real sadness lies not in Ronaldo’s farewell but in how one man’s decisions hampered Portugal’s chances. Martinez repeatedly prioritized Ronaldo over the team’s greater good, costing a nation’s golden generation a shot at glory. Portugal’s exit in the round of 16 was no surprise, considering the echoes from their Euro 2024 campaign. Doing the same things repeatedly, expecting different results, can only lead to disaster.

Martinez’s stubborn line-up choices, especially benching Goncalo Ramos during the Spain match, reflected his fixation on Ronaldo. Ramos, who scored a late winner against Croatia, never stood a chance over the veteran star. Martinez made it clear early on that Ronaldo was the cornerstone of the squad, even though the 2022 World Cup had exposed the striker’s decline at the highest level.

A Campaign Marked by Missed Opportunities

Euro 2024 was disastrous. Ronaldo fired 23 shots without a goal, a record that should have prompted the Portugal Football Federation to reconsider Martinez’s position. Instead, Martinez stayed, and Ronaldo’s role shifted from leader to passenger. Portugal’s World Cup journey in the US began with a dull 0-0 draw against DR Congo. Ronaldo’s two goals against Uzbekistan raised hopes, but his ineffectiveness returned in the loss to Colombia.

Ronaldo finally scored in the knockout stage against Croatia with a penalty, but his limited involvement frustrated many. Martinez substituted him late in a match that seemed destined for extra time until Ramos’s stunning header clinched victory.

Ronaldo’s Response and Legacy

“I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40... The criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience - not 100% but 1,000%, because in life and football I gave everything.”

Ronaldo’s frustration at calls for his retirement is understandable. He remains one of football’s greatest scorers, yet his last three international tournaments blemish his legacy. Sadly, his presence often did more harm than good in those final years.

A Burden Rather Than a Blessing

Building teams around Ronaldo made sense once. By 2026, time had caught up with him, weighing down a side packed with talent. Portugal’s failure to reach even a semi-final since winning Euro 2016 reflects this harsh truth. Key players like Bruno Fernandes underperformed, but when so many stars falter, coaching must take some blame.

The team’s poor showings at Euro 2024 and the World Cup were unacceptable. Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fernandes could all be among the best globally in their positions but failed to deliver.

Even Martinez admitted the squad had World Cup-winning potential. Now, with his failure clear, continuing makes little sense. Maybe hiring him was a mistake if his priority was always pleasing a superstar instead of creating a winning side. Martinez wasted time and talent. Bernardo Silva and the rest deserved better leadership. Ronaldo did too.

If Ronaldo had accepted a reduced role, perhaps as an impact substitute, he might have helped the team more. Instead, his indulgence led to embarrassing moments on football’s biggest stage. In truth, Ronaldo’s final international exit was less sad for Portugal. Amid gratitude for his past greatness, his departure felt like a relief.