Henry backtracks on Ronaldo criticism: "He can never be a problem for a team"

Thierry Henry backtracked on Thursday after severely criticizing Cristiano Ronaldo following the draw between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening match of Group K at the 2026 World Cup.

The day before, the former Arsenal striker, working as a consultant for American broadcaster Fox, had reproached the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for positioning himself in the path of his teammates instead of letting them finish. “What matters is that the team scores, not you,” he had said, pointing notably to a situation where Ronaldo allegedly interfered with Bruno Fernandes on a back pass.

But the 1998 World Cup champion revised his judgment the following day. “Cristiano Ronaldo can never be a problem for a team. He is a solution,” he stated, in a notable reversal. Henry drew a parallel between Lionel Messi’s hat-trick with Argentina against Algeria — universally praised — and Ronaldo’s situation, perceived by some as a burden for Portugal. A comparison that, according to him, does not hold up.

Henry nonetheless maintained part of his initial analysis, emphasizing that the staff and players around Ronaldo have a role to play in making him “even more effective.” He also recalled two major absences from the 41-year-old’s trophy cabinet: a World Cup title and a goal beyond the group stage in the World Cup. “I know he is fully aware of it,” he added.

On the question of Ronaldo’s status within the Seleção, Henry left no ambiguity. “In terms of legacy, few people can sit at the same table as him,” he concluded, dismissing any challenge to the Portuguese captain’s legitimacy.