Former Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a sharp critique of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ibrahimovic suggests that the 41-year-old forward’s ego is negatively impacting Roberto Martinez’s squad.
According to Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo’s inclusion in the starting XI is not a display of iconic leadership, but rather a decline in agility and skill. He believes Goncalo Ramos should be the preferred starter, noting that Ramos provided the deciding goal in the 2-1 victory over Croatia. In an interview with Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic stated that fielding a 41-year-old at the front of the attack prevents Portugal from winning the tournament. He dismissed the reliance on the veteran as nostalgia rather than sound strategy.
While Ronaldo has recorded three goals in the tournament so far, he aims to guide his country forward in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Spain this Monday.
