Dalot also revealed that the players were deliberately shielding themselves from the backlash on social media.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane all made blistering starts to the World Cup. And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 41, played all 90 minutes and did not record a shot on target, extending the decorated forward's scoreless streak to five straight World Cup matches and 10 consecutive contests at major tournaments.

"Portugal is a better side without him," Boateng said, arguing that Ronaldo's presence creates pressure on teammates to constantly look for him rather than make the best tactical decision.

Portugal took the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto crossed for Joao Neves to head home from 15 metres as one of the pre-tournament favourites made the perfect start

Ronaldo's continued presence in Martinez's team has sparked debate over whether he is still a positive influence.

Sports can be very cruel. Often, it is the final image that leaves the deepest imprint on fans’ minds.

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday that he was feeling "very positive" before flying out of Lisbon with the Portuguese team to their World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.

Portugal beat Nigeria 2–1 in a World Cup warm-up on Wednesday, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 2026 World Cup will showcase more than star power. It will stand as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and careers built to last--proof that in modern football, greatness can endure longer than ever before.

It is hard not to get excited about a Portugal squad brimming with talent as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal at 18 in August of 2003, is comfortably the country's leader in all-time appearances (226, 80 more than Joao Moutinho) and goals (143, 96 more than Pauleta).

Since stepping into professional football in 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo has dazzled audiences from Lisbon to Manchester, Madrid, and now Saudi Arabia. He has conquered Europe with both club and country, and in his glittering career, he is steadily moving toward the unbelievable milestone of 1,000 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally did it.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday, ending his long wait for domestic silverware.

Veteran Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his country into the 2026 World Cup this summer after coach Roberto Martinez named the 41-year-old in his squad on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's wait for his first piece of silverware since signing a big-money deal to join Al Nassr in 2023 was extended by the Japanese club, who withstood a second-half barrage by the Saudi side.

Lionel Messi's career seemed complete after he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, but the motivation to keep playing is still there for him and his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the duo prepare to make history at this year's tournament in North America.

It was deep into the night. Under the floodlights of the Al Thumama Stadium, the lush green pitch still glowed with celebration in Morocco’s green and red.

The 41-year-old broke the deadlock with a 76th-minute header at Al-Awwal Park, helping Al-Nassr move eight points clear of second-placed Al-Hilal and 13 ahead of third-placed Al-Ahli, although both chasing sides have a game in hand.