Euro 2024: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is the ‘Weakest Player’ in Portugal, Czech Republic Legend Explains

• Cristiano Ronaldo has been tagged as Portugal's "weakest player" ahead of their Group F opener vs the Czech Republic
• The Al-Nassr forward enters Euro 2024 as the country's all-time top scorer and doubles as the competition's record goalscorer
• But questions have arisen about what Ronaldo will add to the Selecao ahead of his sixth appearance at the Euros

Czech Republic legend, Karel Poborsky, has controversially labelled Cristiano Ronaldo one of the "weakest players" in Portugal.

The 39-year-old, who will be making a historic sixth appearance at the Euros, is expected to start for the Selecao when they face Czechia in their opening Group F encounter on Tuesday, June 18.

Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, entering the tournament in exceptional form with an impressive 44 goals in 45 games for Al-Nassr across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

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He even scored twice against Iceland in Portugal's final warm-up friendly and is considered a strong contender for the Golden Boot.

While his legendary status is undisputed, there are doubts about whether Ronaldo, participating in his 11th major tournament, can meet the challenge.

Why Ronaldo is Portugal's weakest link?

Poborsky, who earned over 100 caps for Czechia and starred in Euro 1996, is among the sceptics, suggesting that the former Real Madrid star is the "weakest link" in Portugal's squad.

"I have been saying for a long time that Ronaldo will be one of their weakest links," the 52-year-old former winger said, as cited by GOAL.

He further explained: "The fans of both teams will go crazy for him, but at his age, he is not as good at building the game and pressing as his younger teammates.

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Poborsky pointed out Ronaldo's age, suggesting it could benefit the Czech Republic.

"So our team would rather him start. Hats off to him for what he has achieved – thanks to his enormous self-confidence.

He also hinted that Ronaldo's presence might pose challenges for Portugal's current manager, Roberto Martinez.

"But you can’t stop age, he is 39. We don’t know how he is with coach Roberto Martinez, but it was written about before that his predecessor Fernando Santos already encountered a problem at the World Cup in Qatar."

Ronaldo's message ahead of Portugal's opener

Sports Brief also reported that Portugal is set to begin their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic tonight, and Cristiano Ronaldo has a message for his fellow countrymen and fans.

This match will mark Ronaldo's sixth appearance at the Euros, according to UEFA, setting a record for the most tournaments played by a male player.

The 39-year-old legend plans to continue his international career beyond this tournament, with ambitions to play in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.