Ronaldo’s brace not enough as pundit claims his best is behind him

Cristiano Ronaldo reminded the world of his enduring quality with a brace in Portugal’s latest World Cup fixture, yet the night carried an undercurrent of doubt. Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon ignited debate by claiming that the 37-year-old would have completed a hat-trick four years ago, sparking questions over whether his legendary finishing is finally waning.

What happened

Portugal’s all-time leading scorer delivered two clinical finishes to fire his nation to a crucial victory. However, a glaring miss — a close-range chance that Ronaldo would have buried in his prime — prompted Dixon to weigh in. “Four years ago, that’s a hat-trick,” Dixon said on commentary. “His assets are fading.”

Why it matters

Ronaldo’s World Cup history is glittering, with goals in multiple tournaments and a reputation for rising to the biggest occasions. But at 37, every performance is scrutinized for signs of decline. The brace will silence critics for now, but the missed opportunity underscores the margin between elite and legendary. For Portugal, Ronaldo’s role remains central — but the reliance on him could become a liability if his finishing continues to falter.

What comes next

Portugal will progress deeper into the knockout stages, and Ronaldo will face younger, quicker defenders. The question is whether his movement and sharpness can compensate for any loss of explosive pace. If the veteran can rediscover that ruthlessness, he may yet silence Dixon. If not, Portugal’s World Cup dream may rest on his — albeit diminished — shoulders.