A recent poll conducted by Portuguese football magazine "A Bola" found that many Portuguese national team fans believe Cristiano Ronaldo no longer deserves a starting spot. The poll was conducted after Ronaldo's recent benching during the team's Nations League match against Norway. The Portuguese team won the match 2-1, with Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix starting in the attacking lineup.
Ronaldo's absence from training on Tuesday, ahead of the team's upcoming match against Denmark, sparked speculation about his status within the team. According to reports, Ronaldo opted to work out in a better-equipped gym at his hotel rather than use the team's training facilities in Malmo. This decision, along with his reaction to being benched, has not been well-received by fans.
The poll results reflect a shift in fan sentiment towards Ronaldo, who has been a key player for Portugal for many years. Despite his impressive career, Ronaldo's recent performances have led some to question whether he still has a place in the starting lineup. The team's coach, Jorge Jesus, had reportedly asked Ronaldo to play for 30 minutes in the Norway match, but later changed his mind.
Ronaldo's actions have sparked rumors about a possible end to his international career. However, he had expressed his desire to continue playing for Portugal after the team's World Cup exit in 2026. In an interview with "Vogue" magazine in August, Ronaldo mentioned that the upcoming season could be his last.
The Portuguese team's upcoming match against Denmark will be an important test for Ronaldo and the rest of the squad. Fans will be watching closely to see if Ronaldo gets a chance to start and how he performs on the field. The team's performance in the Nations League has been solid so far, but the absence of Ronaldo's usual goal-scoring threat has been noticeable.
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo's status has overshadowed the team's recent successes. Despite winning the match against Norway, the team's overall performance has been inconsistent, and fans are eager to see improvements. The team's coach, Jorge Jesus, will face pressure to make the right decisions about the lineup and get the team back on track.
The situation surrounding Ronaldo will continue to be closely watched by fans and media alike. As one of the most successful players in Portuguese football history, Ronaldo's future with the national team remains a topic of interest. The team's upcoming matches will provide more insight into the situation and whether Ronaldo will regain his place in the starting lineup.
Key points
- Many Portuguese fans believe Cristiano Ronaldo no longer deserves a starting spot in the national team.
