Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of waddling around the field like a grandad during Portugals World Cup defeat to Spain last night. The 41-year-old was a peripheral figure as Roberto Martinezs men went down 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merinos injury-time strike in Dallas.Martinez has been accused of indulging Ronaldo with many pundits believing new AC Milan signing Goncalo Ramos should have been given more of an opportunity.Ramos did not get off the bench against Spain with Ronaldo playing the whole game, a decision that led to some stinging criticism from BBC pundit Chris Sutton.Sutton, who was a key member of the Blackburn Rovers side that won the Premier League in 1995, said on commentary for Radio 5 Live: Hes waddling around the field like a grandad, thats why Portugal are out. Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.Table of ContentsSutton says Martinez had to be stronger over RonaldoMartinez defends decision to keep Ronaldo onSutton says Martinez had to be stronger over RonaldoRonaldo made his 233rd appearance for Portugal last night and admitted after the game he would now go away and consider his international future.And Sutton indicated he feels it is now Ramos time.He added: How did Goncalo Ramos not get on the pitch? Its an absolute embarrassment from the manager, just pandering to his star player.Hes the most decorated player that Portugal have ever had but youve got to be stronger than that.Martinez, who yesterday confirmed he would leave his post after his sides elimination, had nothing but praise for Ronaldo.Hes been an exemplary captain, he said.I arrived with Portugal at a time with a lot of confusion and doubts about Cristiano, and hes been a role model, not just with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his commitment, how he experiences football. Hes an example, we have to celebrate him.Were talking about an icon in football. There arent many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup, he wanted to win it, as a player, a captain, on a human level, well all take it with us forever. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman.Martinez defends decision to keep Ronaldo onMartinez also defended his decision to stick with Ronaldo and keep Ramos on the bench.When youre a team and you need a goal you cant take Cristiano Ronaldo off, Martinez added. He can play 90 minutes, no problem. Hes a presence, he opens space, a dead-ball situation, anything in the box, it would make no sense.In extra time it probably would have made sense to use Goncalo Ramos. We had to keep the structure, it wasnt the case to take your top scorer off in the 90 minutes. Topics Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ronaldo wont make snap decision over international future but leaves World Cup with clear conscience Jon Fisher 7th July, 2026 Roberto Martinez resigns: Portugal boss says it doesnt make sense to continue after World Cup exit Nicholas McGee 7th July, 2026 Portugal 0-1 Spain: Merinos 91st-minute winner ends Ronaldos World Cup career Nicholas McGee 6th July, 2026 LIVE Portugal v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ronaldo looks to shoot down European champions Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 Portugal vs Spain: Line-ups confirmed for blockbuster World Cup last-16 clash Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Portugal squad Ben Miller 6th July, 2026
