TRIBUNNEWS.COM - Would Portugal’s national team be more lethal without Cristiano Ronaldo? The debate over Ronaldo’s influence on Portugal’s performance has resurfaced ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While some argue that the Selecao das Quinas play with greater cohesion without their captain, many analysts insist that Ronaldo’s presence remains crucial for Roberto Martinez’s side.

During the Super Taktik podcast held at the Tribunnews Solo office in Karanganyar, Central Java, featuring Gigih (Football Enthusiast) and Arizqi Romadhoni (Chairman of Juventus Club Indonesia, Banten Chapter), both guests emphasized that Portugal still needs Ronaldo, particularly for his leadership qualities.

According to Gigih, Portugal does not automatically become a better team when playing without Ronaldo.

Nevertheless, non-technical factors make the 41-year-old forward an indispensable figure within the squad.

Although his on-field mobility is no longer the same as during his prime, Ronaldo continues to provide a significant psychological boost to his teammates.

He serves as a respected leader both in the dressing room and on the pitch, even earning admiration from fellow stars like Bruno Fernandes.

“Portugal needs a vocal leader on the field, and who else could that be if not Ronaldo,” said Gigih.

The debate over Ronaldo’s role reignited after Portugal delivered several impressive performances in his absence.

One notable example was Portugal’s 9-1 demolition of Armenia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a match Ronaldo missed due to suspension following a red card.

Additionally, Portugal secured convincing wins in friendlies against the United States and Chile without their captain.

Conversely, when Ronaldo featured in a recent friendly against Nigeria, he failed to register a goal or an assist, even though Portugal emerged victorious.

These developments have led some to believe that Portugal’s current squad depth is sufficient to perform well without relying entirely on their legendary forward.

Portugal’s golden generation, featuring talents like Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos, is viewed as capable of delivering a more fluid and dynamic style of play.

However, with so many star players, the team still requires a unifying presence — a role Ronaldo continues to fulfill.

Arizqi Romadhoni argued that Roberto Martinez has learned from his experience managing Belgium’s golden generation, which ultimately failed to win a major trophy.

As known, Belgium’s star-studded lineup — featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku — only managed to reach the semifinals of the 2028 World Cup.

According to Arizqi, what sets Portugal apart from Belgium is the presence of Ronaldo, a leader capable of uniting the team.

“When Roberto Martinez was with Belgium, they struggled because they lacked a true leader. In Portugal’s case, they have Ronaldo,” said Arizqi.

“Even Bruno Fernandes, while at Manchester United, respects and follows Ronaldo’s lead,” added the Chairman of Juventus Club Indonesia, Banten Chapter.

Beyond leadership, Ronaldo still contributes significantly on the pitch.

Under Martinez’s guidance, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star helped Portugal capture the 2025 UEFA Nations League title.

Therefore, the current debate is no longer about whether Ronaldo deserves a place in the team, but rather how Portugal can best utilize him.

One proposed strategy is to deploy Ronaldo more flexibly, potentially as an impact substitute in selected matches.

This approach would allow Portugal to harness his experience and goal-scoring instincts without compromising the team’s overall intensity.

Regardless of the differing opinions, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal’s quest for glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Roberto Martinez’s biggest challenge now lies in balancing Ronaldo’s experience with the youthful energy of the new generation, as Portugal aims to secure its first-ever World Cup title.

Fans will be eager to see whether Cristiano Ronaldo takes the field when Portugal face DR Congo on Thursday (18/6/2026) at 00:00 WIB.

(Tribunnews.com/Ali)