Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the Portugal captain’s ego is holding the national team back at the World Cup, despite Roberto Martinez’s side booking their place in the round of 16 with victory over Croatia.
Ronaldo endured a difficult start to the tournament, struggling in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo before Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 and drew with Colombia to progress from the group stage. The captain then scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, though the result was ultimately settled by a stoppage time winner from substitute Goncalo Ramos.
That contribution from Ramos formed the centre of Ibrahimovic’s criticism, speaking to Fox Sports. “Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41 year old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack. Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored. This isn’t legendary leadership. It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage. Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Now he’s just in the box. At this point, his aura is supporting him more than his legs. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia driven madness,” he said.
The former Sweden striker suggested Portugal’s insistence on starting Ronaldo reflected sentiment rather than tactical logic, arguing that younger, more dynamic options such as Ramos were being overlooked despite having proven themselves ready to carry the attacking burden when called upon.
Ronaldo has scored three goals at this World Cup, behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who lead the scoring charts with seven each, and also behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, who have five apiece for Norway and England respectively. Despite the criticism, Ronaldo struck a measured tone after the Croatia win, admitting to the natural nerves that come with knockout football but insisting he remained positive heading into Portugal’s next assignment.
Portugal face Spain in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on 7 July, with the winner advancing to the quarter finals. The World Cup semi finals are scheduled for 15 and 16 July in Dallas and Atlanta respectively, before the final takes place at New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
