2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo severely criticized after a disappointing match against DR Congo
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo disappointed in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo, finding himself isolated and little involved. His individualistic play was singled out, in particular by Thierry Henry, while supporters and Internet users distinguished themselves with taunts.
In a highly anticipated match at the 2026 World Cup, Portugal, the big favorite, started the competition with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. But it was above all the disappointing performance of Cristiano Ronaldo that caught the attention, and not in a good way. At 41, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had very little impact: he was isolated for long sequences and only touched the ball 25 times in 90 minutes.
This reduced involvement on the pitch did not go unnoticed on social networks, where Internet users extensively mocked the Portuguese star with unbridled creativity. But this wave of mockery was not limited to the virtual world. Congolese fans also expressed their criticism of the Lusitanian veteran.
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Furthermore, Thierry Henry, former emblematic player and consultant for Fox Sports, did not hesitate to publicly criticize CR7. According to him, the player would be too selfish on the pitch, favoring his own development to the detriment of the collective: “The team needs to score goals, not you. » This lack of altruism would prevent his teammates from fully expressing themselves.
However, the competition has only just begun. Portugal will have to quickly recover, especially during the next match against Uzbekistan, scheduled for June 23. Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to respond to criticism with a more accomplished and collective performance.