‘Team needs to score, not you’ Thierry Henry slams Ronaldo after Portugal’s World Cup draw

Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener has triggered sharp criticism online, with Thierry Henry’s post-match analysis going viral for its direct assessment of the veteran forward’s role and decision-making.

The 41-year-old, appearing in a record sixth World Cup for the Portugal national football team, started under Roberto Martinez and saw his side take an early lead when João Neves scored inside six minutes. However, DR Congo national football team responded well, growing into the contest and equalising just before half-time through Yoane Wissa.

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Ronaldo, who struggled to influence the game, managed just three shots and 25 touches as Portugal were forced to settle for a point.

Speaking on FOX after the match, Thierry Henry delivered a pointed critique of Ronaldo’s approach:

"One thing that's important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. Not you needs to score...

"Because he wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it's easier for you to defend. And that's my thing: The team needs to score. Not you."

He also highlighted a moment involving Bruno Fernandes, suggesting frustration over Ronaldo choosing to shoot instead of passing to a better-positioned teammate.

The debate around Ronaldo’s role intensified on social media, with many questioning whether he should retain his place in the starting lineup for the remaining group matches, even as others urged caution in criticising the 41-year-old striker.

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Despite the scrutiny, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended his team’s overall performance while acknowledging the need for improvement, speaking to Reuters after the match,

"We do have to improve. We have to be very self-critical," Martinez was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Reflecting on the match, he said it was important for the team to evaluate their display and remain accountable, adding that the World Cup "is like that" and Portugal must continue their work while staying focused on recovery and preparation.

"Our responsibility here, I think, is to assess this match, be self-critical, and that's the bottom line ... the World Cup is like that. We continue our work. I noticed that the attitude of the players was extraordinary first and foremost, and I do believe in what we can do," he added.

He pointed out that Portugal's goal moment should have helped build momentum, but instead the team failed to capitalise on it.

"We scored in a moment where usually the emotions really help out to continue with that momentum and try to score that second goal, but it was actually the opposite effect for us," he said.

The Portugal coach further explained that his side struggled to convert possession into attacking opportunities, allowing DR Congo to regroup and launch counter-attacks.

"We tried to stick to the ball possession, we couldn't make it to the box, and we gave an opportunity for Congo to restructure and mount counter-attacks," he noted.

However, Martinez stressed the need to learn and improve, saying Portugal must maintain their footballing identity and aim for the highest level possible in the tournament.

He also praised DR Congo’s intensity and mentality in the match.

"They were intense, confident. They played like a big final in a big tournament, and that shows incredible personality. We knew that Congo could do that. It wasn't a surprise," he concluded.

Ronaldo himself addressed the result in a post on X, striking a defiant tone:

"It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game," reflecting a determined outlook despite the dropped points.

The draw leaves Portugal with work to do in the group stage, while the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Ronaldo’s role and whether Martinez will persist with him as the focal point in attack.