Portugal recently drew with DR Congo. Shearer said Ronaldo has not scored for a while in a Portugal shirt and is nowhere near his best.
Alan Shearer has raised questions over Cristiano Ronaldo's influence within the Portugal setup, suggesting head coach Roberto Martinez may not even be allowed to substitute his captain. As the 41-year-old icon competes in what is likely his final World Cup in 2026, the debate over his role in the starting XI has intensified.
Speaking after Portugal's draw with DR Congo, Shearer highlighted the unique dynamic between the global superstar and his national team manager. The former Newcastle striker believes Ronaldo's status transcends the typical player-coach relationship, potentially complicating Portugal's tactical flexibility in North America.
Whether Roberto Martinez is allowed to have a word with him and actually bring him off. Cristiano is that powerful. If he isn't prepared to understand he cannot play every minute, then it won't work.
For Shearer, Ronaldo's apparent inability to accept a reduced role could be a significant hurdle for Portugal as the tournament progresses.
It was always a concern of mine if Ronaldo wasn't prepared to accept he may not start every game, and he certainly can't play every minute of every game. It looks as if it's the case.
Shearer said he would start Ronaldo in Portugal's next game, but would tell him to come off if it does not work.
I would start him in Portugal's next game, but if it doesn't work, I'd be telling him he has to come off. That's what I mean though, it's whether he's allowed to be subbed because Cristiano is that powerful. It's really difficult. He's a global superstar who has done so well for so many years, but he hasn't scored for a while in a Portugal shirt and he's nowhere near his best.
Ronaldo struggled to make an impact in the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the same tournament, prompting Shearer to side with the Argentine in the GOAT debate.
Lionel Messi is staggering. He's just incredible how he keeps going. He looks as good as ever and he's got a team now who are prepared to do more running for the sake of him to try and get him on the ball.
I'd imagine the frustrations from Ronaldo the night before watching Messi score three and then him going out and not playing well at all, looking very frustrated. You can imagine what he's feeling.
Shearer admitted his preference has always leaned toward Lionel Messi. He pointed out that while both Messi and Ronaldo have reached the pinnacle of the sport, their paths and playing styles remain fundamentally different.
Messi and Ronaldo are both amazing players, but I've always edged on the side of Messi. I really don't like comparisons because they're so different in terms of ability and attitude and how they've got to the top. It's all very different. I'll always edge for Messi though.
It's fascinating watching him because everyone's first thought is 'can I pass to Messi?' Everyone thinks about how to get the ball to him and rightly so. That left foot is deadly. I've run out of superlatives to say about him. It's staggering what he's done and is still doing.
