Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Controversial 2026 World Cup Experience: Ricardo Carvalho Reveals Shocking Secrets and What Could Have Changed Everything

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s importance to Portugal has rarely been questioned, but his playing time during the 2026 World Cup reportedly created a difficult dilemma for head coach Roberto Martinez. Former assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho has now offered insight into those discussions, revealing that he had a different approach in mind when it came to managing the veteran forward.

Speaking to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, Carvalho discussed the challenges of coaching a player who remained determined to play every minute despite being 41. While Ronaldo’s fitness and competitive mentality were never in doubt, the former defender believes Portugal could have benefited from a different decision during certain matches.

Mikel directly questioned whether Martinez should have been braver and taken Ronaldo off for the benefit of the team. Carvalho agreed, making it clear that he would have handled the situation differently. “In my opinion, he [Roberto Martínez] should have taken him off,” he admitted.

He explained that Ronaldo’s personality made the decision particularly complicated, as the captain always believed he could produce something decisive. “If you know him, he’s a player who always wants to play. He was successful because he always wants to be there, because he feels he can score.”

Ronaldo’s confidence remained central to the situation. Whether presented with an opportunity from open play or a free kick, the forward continued to believe he could influence the result, making it difficult for Martinez to convince him that his involvement should end.

What made the decision more complicated

Carvalho also suggested that Martinez was influenced by everything Ronaldo had contributed to Portugal over the previous three or four years. The coach wanted to recognize the captain’s importance and allow him to continue pursuing personal and collective ambitions. “Roberto wants to pay him back,” Carvalho explained, referring to the manager’s apparent desire to reward Ronaldo for his service to the national team.

One example came during Portugal’s 5-0 group-stage victory over Uzbekistan, when Ronaldo had already scored twice, and Martinez considered substituting him. According to Carvalho, the captain was reluctant to leave because he wanted to add more goals to his tally. “I’ve only just started scoring goals; I want more,” Ronaldo reportedly told the coach.