Cristiano Ronaldo's Struggles Highlighted in Portugal's Draw Against DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent performance in Portugal's match against DR Congo has sparked discussions about his declining form. Despite the fans' hopes, Ronaldo struggled to make an impact, touching the ball only 25 times throughout the game. As the team faced a formidable Congolese defense, questions arise about whether the legendary player can still deliver on the world stage. With no goals in his last ten major tournament matches, the future of Ronaldo's career remains uncertain. This article delves into the challenges he faced and the implications for the Portuguese national team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 14:28 IST

Ronaldo's Challenging Performance in Houston

As the match unfolded in the expansive stadium in Houston, it seemed as if Cristiano Ronaldo had lost touch with his former self. The crowd, a vibrant sea of red, began chanting his name in the 75th minute, but it failed to ignite the spark within him. By that point, viewers around the globe had already witnessed the harsh reality of his performance.

Portugal's Draw with DR Congo Marks a Difficult Start for Ronaldo

We recall the lightning-fast winger from his days at Old Trafford, the magician who dazzled at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the hero who bore the hopes of Turin. Ronaldo was once a superhuman presence on the field, dominating every match. If Lionel Messi represented artistry, Ronaldo embodied raw power. However, it appears that this powerful force is beginning to fade.

While Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland shone one evening, Lionel Messi captivated the next. The world eagerly anticipated the following day, focused on Ronaldo, the captain of the Portuguese national team.

Then came the match: Portugal versus DR Congo. The Ronaldo who took the field was unrecognizable. It was a shocking sight to see him appear so lost and ineffective on such a grand stage. But is the blame solely his? That’s a complex question, likely involving everyone from Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, to the formidable defense put up by Congo.

In the early moments, every time the ball reached Ronaldo, the stadium erupted with excitement, showcasing the fans' desperate desire for him to score. Yet, throughout the entire match, he only touched the ball 25 times. For the first 67 minutes, it was difficult to pinpoint his contributions beyond drawing defenders away to create space for others.

His first significant opportunity arose in the 68th minute when Francisco Conceição made an impressive run down the right flank, cutting into the box and seeking out his captain. He delivered a perfect pass, but the legendary forward failed to capitalize on the moment.

Just four minutes later, Conceição set up another promising chance. This time, everything seemed to align for Ronaldo, yet he missed the target once more. The frustration was evident on Bruno Fernandes' face behind him; had Ronaldo let the ball go, Bruno would have had a clear shot at goal.

Ronaldo received one more chance to redeem himself when a cross floated in from the right. Fans are accustomed to seeing him soar above defenders to score with his head, but this time he hesitated to jump.

In this match, Ronaldo appeared to be merely a point of coordination for Portugal. Despite having one of the strongest midfields in the world, the Congolese players effectively prevented any connection with him. As Congo celebrated their historic victory, Ronaldo walked down the tunnel alone, a stark contrast to the camaraderie of his teammates. It was a painful sight for those who have witnessed his past glories. He is battling against age, his own physical limitations, and faster opponents, and it seems he is losing that battle.

There’s a well-known image of Messi preparing to take a corner against Algeria, where it seems the world narrows down to focus solely on him. Ronaldo had a similar moment yesterday, but the emotion it evoked was one of sadness.

Returning to the earlier question: is this all Ronaldo's fault? In his last ten matches in major tournaments—the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2024 Euro Cup, and now this game against Congo—Ronaldo has not found the back of the net. He has scored frequently in qualifying matches and silenced critics during the UEFA Nations League, but the reality is that the Ronaldo we once knew has been absent from the big stage for quite some time.

Despite this, why does coach Martínez insist on playing the 41-year-old for the full 90 minutes? It seems unrealistic for him to replicate his prime form. This Portuguese team is arguably the best in its history and a serious contender for the World Cup. As French legend Thierry Henry stated, the focus should be clear: THE TEAM NEEDS TO SCORE, NOT YOU. Ronaldo's experience should be utilized at crucial moments, not throughout the entire match.

Yet, can we truly write him off? The answer remains a resounding no. History has shown us that he still possesses a unique magic, capable of moments that only he can deliver on the football pitch.