Roberto Martinez of Portugal has been urged to find a replacement for star player Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 World Cup to give his side the best chance of winning.
Ronaldo led his country to Euro 2016 and Nations League titles in 2019 during his glittering international career but the World Cup remains the one big trophy to elude him.
However, the Al-Nassr star is running out of time and his ability to compete at the top level appears to be decreasing everyday.
Many ex-players and pundits including former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, believe it is time for someone else to take his place having go as Portugal’s leading forward.
Speaking to CardPlayer.com, Hamann said: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence was very limited at the last Euros and I think you have to keep in mind at this World Cup, he is another year older.
“He still scores goals but they have good forwards like Goncalo Ramos who can’t get a game, I think it’s time for someone else to have a chance to shine in the team. If we see him at the World Cup, I’d be very surprised if he had a big impact.”
Many football analyst believe that Ronaldo’s continued involvement in the national team set-up is hindering the progress and development of many young talents like Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Trincao.
Roberto Martinez has a big decision to make provided if he is going to give Portugal the best chance of winning the World Cup in 2026, when Ronaldo will be 41.
The versatile football icon has left no hint of announcing his retirement in the next 12 months and he may even be re-energise after being handed a Guinness World Record award for the most international wins with 132, surpassing former Spanish – Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos.
Ronaldo missed a penalty but was also on the scoresheet as Portugal beat Denmark 5-2 after extra time in their latest Nations League outing
