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SportsCristiano Ronaldo, 41, scores brace for Portugal against Uzbekistan in 2026 World Cup; coach never substitutes him
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At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to start every match for Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Roberto Martinez publicly stating he never substitutes him during games. Ronaldo delivered a brace against Uzbekistan, leading the Portuguese media to reverse its previous criticism and hail his performance. The article also covers ongoing polarisation around Ronaldo: fan protests demanding his removal from the lineup, comments from teammates like Conceição questioning whether the team must pass him the ball, and severe cyberbullying against player João Neves and his partner after Neves made a brief comment about Ronaldo. Additionally, it highlights an academic study linking Ronaldo fandom to right-leaning political orientation, contrasting with left-leaning Lionel Messi supporters. Other linked stories cover Ronaldo's irritated reaction to questions about Messi and the broader psychodrama surrounding his iconic but divisive presence in the tournament.
Source report
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo has started every match for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup — and coach Roberto Martinez has admitted he never substitutes him during games.
Key Facts
- Age: 41 years old
- Status: Starts every match, never substituted
- Coach: Roberto Martinez
Related Coverage
Ronaldo's Performance and Records
- Ronaldo scores brace against Uzbekistan — Portuguese media changes its tune after his performance
- Eternal Ronaldo scores brace and new records — Portugal vs. Uzbekistan match coverage
- Ronaldo's irritated reaction to Messi question — After his brace in Portugal-Uzbekistan
Team and Fan Dynamics
- Maximum pressure on Martinez before Portugal-Uzbekistan — Fans demand lineup without Ronaldo
- Conceição reopens Ronaldo controversy — "We are not obliged to pass him the ball"
Social Media Incidents
- Psychodrama invades Diogo Jota's posts — Late attacker's relatives forced to disable comments
- João Neves cyberbullied — Ronaldo tries to calm situation with a photo
- 10 times more comments than Champions League — Neves and partner targeted after brief comment about Ronaldo
Other Notable Stories
- Improbable World Cup bets — Will Ronaldo cry? Will Neymar play?
- Messi vs. Ronaldo and political orientation — Study suggests Messi fans lean left, Ronaldo fans lean right
Source
Home Football - actualitésRegional
Part of this Story
Thierry Henry and Pundits Criticize Ronaldo's Selfish Play in Portugal's World Cup Draw