World Cup 2026: Diego Forlan talks about the damage Ronaldo is causing to Portugal!

27.06.26 FT World Cup

Colombia

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Diego Forlán has offered a striker’s perspective on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal team, suggesting that the 41‑year‑old’s lack of movement is limiting the team’s attacking potential.

Speaking on ESPN’s La Casa del Kun, the former Manchester United forward and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner explained that Ronaldo’s tendency to stay central makes life easy for defenders and prevents Portugal from stretching the pitch.

“I’m speaking as a striker, the problem is that Cristiano is in the centre, he is who he is, he is there as a No.9, and he stays there to take advantage of the goal because he no longer goes out to look for the ball, but he ends up conditioning Portugal,” Forlán said. “It's the typical situation where we used to say, 'I'm staying here because I'm close to the goal to score,' but you don't understand that you end up hurting your team because both centre‑backs stay there, you don't move. The centre‑backs stay put, one becomes a reference point and the other is left out. You have no one who can get to you because you start closing down that space.”

Forlán suggested that Ronaldo could unlock Portugal’s attacking potential by making slight adjustments to his positioning. “If he moved a little to the wings, the others could get in and he could be involved. That's where Portugal falters because they don't explode because everything ends up going to one side, which is actually a funnel. I wouldn't say it's a problem, it's about making him understand. Telling him: 'Move, get out of there so you can do something'.”

The Uruguayan’s comments come as Portugal prepare for the knockout stages of the tournament, with the team’s attacking balance under scrutiny. While Ronaldo remains a goal‑threat, Forlán believes a shift in mindset could allow Portugal to get the best out of their other creative talents. Whether the veteran forward is willing to adapt remains to be seen, but the advice from a former striker of similar pedigree carries weight. For Portugal, the question is whether they can find the right balance to maximise their attacking potential.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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