Jay Bothroyd Tells Cristiano Ronaldo to Accept Bench Role After Portugal’s 1-1 Draw with DR Congo at 2026 World Cup

Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began on shaky ground in Houston, where a determined DR Congo side held them to a 1-1 draw in their Group K opener. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead, but Yoane Wissa’s equaliser before the half-time whistle ensured the African nation claimed a valuable point on the international stage.

The outcome has left Portugal in an unfavourable position in Group K, with the debate around Cristiano Ronaldo‘s suitability as a starter intensifying in the wake of the result. Manager Roberto Martinez has continued to back his captain, but the chorus of criticism from pundits is growing louder.

Speaking on Sky Sports, former English striker Jay Bothroyd delivered a direct assessment of the situation, arguing that Ronaldo’s presence in the starting lineup was actively working against Portugal’s interests. “I think if Ronaldo is a team player, he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench,” Bothroyd said. “Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don’t think he is. And that’s my point.”

Bothroyd went further, suggesting that Ronaldo’s well-documented personal rivalry with Argentina’s Lionel Messi — who scored a hat-trick at the same tournament — was clouding the Portuguese forward’s judgment and harming collective team performance. “It looks like it’s all about him… and he’s always chasing Messi all the time,” Bothroyd added. “He’s never going to be Messi… But right now he’s becoming more of a hindrance for Portugal than help, and I think that’s where Martinez is going wrong.”

Bothroyd is not alone in his assessment. Several other former professionals have publicly urged Martinez to reconsider Ronaldo’s role, with one ex-Manchester United figure reportedly calling on Portugal’s coaching staff to protect the player from himself by moving him to the bench.

The criticism arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February 2026 and is widely believed to be participating in what will be his final FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s failure to secure a winning start compounds the pressure heading into the remainder of the group stage.

Portugal’s next fixture — a Group K clash against Uzbekistan — carries significant weight. A second successive failure to win could place their progression to the knockout rounds in serious jeopardy, making Martinez’s team selection decisions in that match arguably the most consequential of his tenure as Portugal head coach.

DR Congo’s point, meanwhile, represents a noteworthy result for African football at the 2026 tournament. The Central African nation’s ability to hold one of Europe’s most decorated squads underscores the competitive depth of African representation at this World Cup, with several other African teams also drawing attention for their performances across the opening round of fixtures.