Ronaldo slammed for 'waddling like a grandad' as Portugal exit ends his World Cup dream

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in elimination on Monday night as Spain’s late winner in Dallas sent Portugal home from the 2026 tournament, prompting fierce criticism of both the 41-year-old forward and manager Roberto Martinez.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton was unsparing in his verdict. “He’s waddling around the field like a grandad, that’s why Portugal are out,” Sutton said. “Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.”

Ronaldo started every game of Portugal’s campaign despite widespread debate over whether his age — and his inability to press and contribute defensively at the same level as younger forwards — was hampering the team. He scored three times across the tournament, two of those coming against Uzbekistan.

Sutton reserved particular frustration for Martinez’s decision to leave Goncalo Ramos on the bench throughout the Spain defeat, having already seen the striker score a late winner when introduced against Croatia in the Round of 32. “How did Goncalo Ramos not get on the pitch?” Sutton said. “It’s an absolute embarrassment from the manager, just pandering to his star player. He’s the most decorated player that Portugal have ever had but you’ve got to be stronger than that.”

Martinez, who had already announced he would step down after the tournament regardless of the result, defended his handling of Ronaldo. “We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup,” the outgoing coach said. “His dream was to win this World Cup, he did this with an amazing example. He is a prime example of football and the human being that is behind that athlete.”

The defeat closes what was widely considered Ronaldo’s last opportunity to add a World Cup winners’ medal to his collection. The Al Nassr forward, who turns 42 in February, has now appeared at five World Cups without lifting the trophy.