Ronaldo Hits Back at Critics After Wasteful Display in Portugal’s 2-1 Win Over Nigeria

Cristiano Ronaldo has pushed back against mounting criticism of his form and fitness following a below-par display in Portugal’s 2-1 pre-tournament victory over Nigeria on Wednesday, June 10, in Leiria — insisting he remains in peak condition heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 41-year-old captain was substituted in the 65th minute after registering four off-target shots and squandering several clear-cut chances, a performance that reignited debate about whether the veteran striker still commands a starting role at the highest level.

Ronaldo, however, was unequivocal in his response when pressed by reporters after the match. “I feel very good. Haven’t you been watching the games?” he said. “We go to this World Cup with a lot of hope. This generation will give Portugal great things.”

His confidence carries statistical backing. Ronaldo arrives at the tournament having just won the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, capping what he described as a productive individual campaign in the Middle East. He also enters the competition as the men’s all-time international top scorer, with 143 goals for Portugal across a senior career spanning more than two decades.

The narrow win over Nigeria itself required contributions from others to secure the result. Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição both found the net to salvage the victory after Portugal were exposed defensively by a determined Nigerian side. The result nonetheless extended Portugal’s positive pre-tournament momentum, having also claimed a 2-1 win over Chile in their previous warm-up fixture.

For Ronaldo, the match against Nigeria represents his final preparation outing before what would be a historically significant World Cup campaign. Should he feature in the tournament, he will become the first men’s player to appear at six FIFA World Cups — a record he would share with no one. He previously represented Portugal at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the competition.

Portugal, under the management of Roberto Martínez, are widely regarded as one of the stronger European sides in the 54-team expanded edition of the tournament. The squad’s depth across attacking positions — with the likes of Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes available — has led many analysts to consider them genuine contenders, even amid questions surrounding Ronaldo’s individual output.

The Seleção are scheduled to open their Group K campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17 in Houston, Texas. They will subsequently face Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

The debate around Ronaldo’s role within the squad is unlikely to subside before that opener, but the captain has made clear he has no intention of letting external opinion affect his preparations or his confidence in the group’s collective ability to mount a serious challenge for the title.