Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has come to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo following criticism of the Portuguese captain after Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate surrounding Ronaldo intensified after Portugal’s first game of the tournament, with some football fans and pundits questioning the veteran forward’s role in the national team. Critics argued that the 41-year-old may no longer fit into Portugal’s tactical setup and suggested that younger players should take on greater responsibility in the squad.
However, Ferdinand strongly rejected those claims, insisting that Ronaldo remains a vital figure for Portugal both on and off the pitch. Speaking on the controversy, the former England international emphasized that Ronaldo’s contributions over the years have been instrumental to Portugal’s success and qualification for major tournaments.
According to Ferdinand, labeling Ronaldo as selfish or a disruption to the team’s style of play is unfair. He noted that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has consistently delivered goals when his country needed them most and continues to be a source of inspiration for teammates.
Ferdinand also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting lineup solely because of his age. He argued that experience remains an important asset in major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, where leadership and composure can make a significant difference.
The discussion comes as Portugal seeks to advance beyond the group stage and strengthen its bid for World Cup glory. Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, remains a central figure in the team’s campaign despite ongoing scrutiny.
As Portugal prepares for its next fixture, Ferdinand’s comments have added another dimension to the debate surrounding Ronaldo’s future, with supporters insisting that the legendary forward still has an important role to play on football’s biggest stage.
