Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates should never forgive him

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup role is portrayed as a clash between his celebrity status and Portugal’s on-field needs. At age 41, the piece says he played as many minutes as he did despite expectations that he should have been suspended for two matches, noting that FIFA intervened to prevent the ban. It argues Portugal’s campaign was hindered by his presence, describing Spain’s defense as leaving him space once would have been “criminal,” and stating that at halftime he had 12 touches, the fewest on the pitch. The article claims Bruno Fernandes was reluctant to cross to him, while manager Roberto Martínez stayed more supportive. It also says Martínez resigned hours after the final whistle, and places responsibility within a broader pattern of managers coping with external pressure. The competitive comparison includes references to Erik ten Hag and Carlo Ancelotti’s choices at the tournament.