Portugal don't need to drop Ronaldo, but Martinez must learn when to bench him

Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's most iconic figure, but the debate over his role in the national team refuses to die down. As Roberto Martinez prepares for the next World Cup cycle, the manager faces a delicate balancing act: how to harness Ronaldo's undeniable quality without letting his presence become a tactical hindrance. The solution isn't to drop the five-time Ballon d'Or winner — it's to know exactly when to use him.

The Ronaldo conundrum

Ronaldo's leadership and goal-scoring instinct are invaluable assets for Portugal. However, his advanced age and reduced mobility have at times forced the team into a rigid structure. In high-intensity knockout games, the Seleção have struggled to press effectively or maintain fluid attacks with Ronaldo as a focal point. Martinez must recognize that the 39-year-old can still be a game-changer — but only when deployed selectively.

Lessons from recent history

Portugal's quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup exposed the pitfalls of over-reliance on Ronaldo. Despite a strong group stage, the team looked disjointed in the knockout round, and Ronaldo's frustration boiled over. Martinez, who took over after that tournament, has the chance to learn from predecessor Fernando Santos's mistakes. Rather than starting Ronaldo in every fixture, a super-sub role could maximize his impact against tiring defenses.

The path forward for Martinez

For Portugal to finally fulfill its potential on the biggest stage, Martinez must show he can make the tough calls. That means benching Ronaldo when matchups demand more pressing or defensive work, and trusting younger talents like João Félix or Rafael Leão to lead the line. The squad depth is there — what's missing is the tactical courage. If Martinez manages Ronaldo's minutes wisely, Portugal can be a genuine contender. If not, they risk another premature exit that will haunt the federation for years to come.