World Cup 2026: R9 slams Cristiano Ronaldo

The Brazilian legend believes CR7's physical condition no longer meets the demands of the World Cup

World Cup 2026 17 July 2026 at 06:30

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World Cup 2026: R9 slams Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite scoring three goals at the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convince his illustrious Brazilian namesake.

Was Cristiano Ronaldo a surplus for the Portuguese squad? At 41 years old, the forward did find the net three times during the 2026 World Cup. However, his overall influence remained limited as Portugal bowed out in the round of 16.

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While appearing on the show Resenha do 9, Ronaldo Nazário delivered a particularly harsh assessment of CR7's physical level:

"In general, your body lets you know when you can't go on anymore. I think they've both reached that moment of consensus with their bodies, both Cristiano and Neymar. The fight against your body is truly a very tough one to win."

The Brazilian legend firmly believes that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner can no longer meet the demands of such a tournament.

"Maybe he still has the level to play in Saudi Arabia, but when it comes to competing in a World Cup, you realize it's much more difficult, the level is much higher. Despite our passion, our love for football and our desire to play forever, I think ultimately it's the body that decides for us. Nowadays, I don't play football anymore because my mind works in a way that my body can't follow," he said in comments relayed by A Bola.