FIFA World Cup: Will Portugal use Ronaldo as sub?

• Cristiano Ronaldo faces criticism after Portugal's draw with DRC
• He recorded just 25 touches in the match, a low for a Portuguese XI
• A transition to a super sub role could help the ageing striker

Against DRC, Ronaldo touched the ball 25 times, the lowest by a Portuguese player in the playing XI

Since Portugal drew with the Democratic Republic of

Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo has received severe flak from all quarters. Many have pointed out that his obsession with playing the full 90 minutes or scoring goals is hurting Portugal’s chances of advancing in the World Cup. In fact, many also believe that Portugal has one of the best squads in the World Cup, which includes the likes of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and João Neves, and therefore, CR7 doesn’t need to start any more.

“No chances was created for Ronaldo” pic.twitter.com/GbId71nL3x

— RIICHIE (@The_RIICHIE) June 19, 2026

Does that mean CR7 should not play the remaining games? To be honest, the statement sounds treasonous because, regardless of what people say, Ronaldo still has a little more in him and can certainly add a few more goals and assists. However, that could be a possibility if CR7 transitions into the role of a super sub.

CR7’s seven appearances as sub

In his international career, CR7 has been a substitute for Portugal on seven occasions. Out of the seven matches, Portugal lost two, drew one, and won the remaining four.

Cristiano Ronaldo is goalless in his last 10 Portugal games at major tournaments:

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩:
❌ vs. Uruguay
❌ vs. South Korea
❌ vs. Switzerland
❌ vs. Morocco

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐬:
❌ vs. Czechia
❌ vs. Türkiye
❌ vs. Georgia
❌ vs. Slovenia
❌ vs. France… pic.twitter.com/sWQnSYh7uO

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 17, 2026

In Euro 2004, CR7 provided a crucial assist against Russia, whereas in the 2018 World Cup qualifying, he scored a goal against Andorra. In the last World Cup, he played two games as a substitute but had little impact, with no goals or assists.

Nonetheless, given the kind of hunger he carries and his ability to grab opportunities, he could do well as a super sub instead of running around exhausted for the full 90 minutes.

Club level

That Samurai Ronaldo era was just different.pic.twitter.com/1VUnfCphvt

— Wingman (@Wingman__x) June 21, 2026

Even at the club level, CR7 had a decent record while coming on as a substitute. For example, during his stay at Juventus, he played four matches as a substitute and scored three goals. At Manchester United, he recorded eight goals as a substitute in many appearances.

Ask for a reduced role

"If Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down"

Is Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a hinderance for Portugal? 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/7rdlHwFbam

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 18, 2026

Given CR7’s stature, nobody in his inner circle, including manager Roberto Martinez, is willing to tell him that he is doing more damage than good to the team’s campaign. If Ronaldo wishes to serve his team, it is time for him to realise that he is no longer the most contributing player in the squad and, therefore, a reduced role is more suitable for him. Not to forget, even from the sidelines, CR7 could guide his team, as he did in the UEFA Euro 2016 Final—a feat many fans rightly highlighted and credited him for in the team’s victory.