Portugal's 1966 Hero Says What Nobody Dares: Ronaldo Should Be a Super-Sub at 2026 World Cup

António Simões has broken Portuguese football's greatest taboo. The 1966 World Cup bronze medallist believes ronaldo" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Cristiano Ronaldo should no longer be an automatic starter when Portugal chase glory in North America.

Speaking to Lusa, the 82-year-old former winger outlined a blueprint for managing football's most decorated player that centres on one uncomfortable truth: at 41 years old, Ronaldo needs protecting from himself.

The Delicate Dance of Managing a Legend's Decline

Simões wrapped his message in diplomatic language, but the meaning was clear. Portugal's coach and star player need an honest conversation about game time.

The coach and the player himself can talk and seek what's best, taking into account Ronaldo's age and that this is an extremely competitive and short tournament. Understanding in each match whether he should start or be brought on during the game.

This represents a seismic shift in Portuguese thinking. For two decades, the question has been which position Ronaldo plays, not whether he plays at all.

The Physical Reality Check

Simões acknowledged what Portugal fans struggle to accept: their hero has lost key physical attributes. The former Benfica star noted how Ronaldo has been "pushed further forward" on the pitch because he "can no longer be in the middle, in the essence of the game".

This tactical evolution masks decline. Where once Ronaldo dominated from wide positions or dropped deep to influence play, he now operates almost exclusively as a penalty-box predator.

The Gift That Remains

Yet Simões was careful to highlight what endures. Ronaldo retains his "gift" for the game's ultimate objective: scoring goals. The veteran also praised Ronaldo's "experience and intelligence in decision-making" as assets that have improved with age.

These qualities make him valuable. They just

Why Simões' Eusébio Comparison Reveals Ronaldo's Limitations

The most revealing moment came when Simões compared Portugal's two greatest players. His analysis exposed a fundamental difference in how each adapted to physical decline.

Eusébio, when he started losing speed and physical capacity, dropped back on the pitch, to the space I call the essence of the game. But Ronaldo is increasingly pushed forward, where he is a specialist and fantastic at being close to goal.

This comparison cuts deep. Eusébio reinvented himself as a deeper playmaker, using intelligence to compensate for lost pace. Ronaldo has done the opposite, becoming more limited in scope even as his finishing remains elite.

The Tactical Straitjacket

This evolution creates problems for Roberto Martínez. Building a fluid, modern system around a static striker who offers little outside the box limits tactical flexibility.

Portugal's recent performances have shown this tension. Against top sides, they often look disjointed, with Ronaldo isolated up front while creative players struggle to connect midfield and attack.

The Numbers Game

Simões acknowledged both players' "impressive numbers", but statistics tell only part of the story. Goals matter, but so does:

• Pressing intensity in modern football's high-tempo game
• Defensive contribution when out of possession
• Link-up play to bring others into attacks
• Mobility to create space for teammates

In each area, the 41-year-old Ronaldo falls short of what elite international football demands from a starting striker.

What This Means for Portugal's 2026 World Cup Chances

Simões remains optimistic about Portugal's prospects, declaring himself "convinced it's possible to be world champions". But his optimism comes with conditions that challenge the nation's Ronaldo-centric approach.

The former international stressed that Portugal has "status and legitimacy to be candidates" but must apply "common sense and prudence" to that candidacy. In context, this reads as code for making tough decisions about team selection.

The Depth Advantage

Martínez has what Simões called an "abundance of options for almost every position on the pitch". This depth makes Ronaldo's automatic selection harder to justify:

• Gonçalo Ramos offers pressing and link play
• jota" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Diogo Jota provides movement and versatility
• Rafael Leão brings pace and directness
• João Félix adds creativity between the lines

Each offers qualities Ronaldo no longer possesses, even if none match his finishing instinct.

The Psychological Factor

Simões urged players to focus on "what hasn't been done yet, which is being world champions". He noted this generation already has "economic and financial stability and success", implying they should prioritise collective glory over individual milestones.

This message seems aimed squarely at Ronaldo, whose personal records often dominate Portuguese football discourse. Can he accept a reduced role for the team's benefit?

What Happens Next

Simões has said publicly what many in Portuguese football whisper privately. His status as a 1966 hero gives him credibility to challenge the Ronaldo orthodoxy without being dismissed as jealous or attention-seeking.

The real test comes when Martínez must make these decisions under World Cup pressure. Will he have the courage to bench Ronaldo in crucial moments? Will Portuguese media and fans accept such choices?

For bettors, this debate signals potential value in markets around Portugal's lineup and Ronaldo's playing time. A Portugal willing to use their legend as an impact substitute might be more dangerous than one building everything around a 41-year-old's limitations. The Portugal team preview will need updating as this story develops towards the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Cristiano Ronaldo start for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup?
António Simões suggests Ronaldo should not be an automatic starter at age 41, recommending he be used as an impact substitute. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez will need to balance Ronaldo's legendary status with the team's tactical needs in what could be a controversial decision.

How old will Ronaldo be at the 2026 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years old during the 2026 World Cup in North America. This would be his sixth World Cup appearance, extending his record as the only player to score in five different tournaments if he finds the net.

What did António Simões say about Portugal's World Cup chances?
Simões is "convinced it's possible to be world champions" but urged "common sense and prudence" in Portugal's approach. He believes Portugal has the status and legitimacy to be candidates but must manage aging stars like Ronaldo carefully in the short, intense tournament format.

How does Ronaldo compare to Eusébio according to Simões?
Simões noted that while both scored impressive numbers, they adapted differently to physical decline. Eusébio dropped deeper to influence play when he lost pace, while Ronaldo has been pushed further forward, operating mainly as a penalty box specialist rather than influencing general play.

Who could replace Ronaldo in Portugal's starting lineup?
Portugal has several options including Gonçalo Ramos, Diogo Jota, Rafael Leão and João Félix. Coach Roberto Martínez has what Simões called an "abundance of options" across the pitch, giving him flexibility to rotate based on opponents and match situations.

Has Portugal ever won the World Cup?
No, Portugal has never won the World Cup despite winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019. Their best finish remains third place in 1966, when António Simões was part of the team featuring Eusébio that lost to eventual champions England in the semi-finals.