Djorkaeff: Portugal's Players Didn't Give Ronaldo the Support He Needed

Yuri Djorkaeff has criticised Portugal’s use of Cristiano Ronaldo after their exit from the 2026 World Cup, saying the team did not make enough of the captain’s quality.

Speaking on RMC’s After Foot, the 1998 World Cup winner said Ronaldo was not given enough support and suggested some of Portugal’s behaviour made it look as if the forward was being ignored during games. He argued that if a player of Ronaldo’s stature is in the side, the tactical set-up has to be built to get the best out of him.

Djorkaeff said it was pointless to select the veteran striker unless the rest of the team did their part in creating chances for him. He added that Ronaldo spent long spells away from the action and was too rarely found in dangerous areas by his team-mates.

He also said the link-up between Ronaldo and Portugal’s other attacking players was seldom clear during the tournament. Ronaldo’s display against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Portugal’s opening match had already come under scrutiny, with the draw prompting debate over his role in the team.