Thierry Henry criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's disappointing performance against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The opening match of the FIFA World Cup for Portugal ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo, leading to criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo's performance. Thierry Henry, a former French striker and World Cup champion, expressed his concerns regarding Ronaldo's impact on the team's dynamics during the game. Henry suggested that Ronaldo's movements on the field were more of a hindrance than a help, particularly in creating scoring opportunities for the team.

During an analysis segment on Fox Sports, Henry highlighted a specific moment in the second half where Ronaldo's positioning interfered with teammate Bruno Fernandes. As Fernandes approached the ball in a promising position, Ronaldo's run obstructed a potential pass, which could have led to a goal-scoring opportunity. Henry emphasized that Ronaldo's desire to score was detracting from the team's overall strategy, stating, "The team needs to score, not you need to score." He elaborated that Ronaldo's actions limited the effectiveness of the attack, as he inadvertently made it easier for defenders to anticipate plays.

In the match against DR Congo, Ronaldo struggled to make a significant impact, managing only three shots and failing to create any chances. His performance stood in stark contrast to other football stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who showcased their skills with multiple goals in their respective matches. Despite an early header from João Neves that gave Portugal a brief lead, the team could not secure a victory, leaving fans and analysts questioning Ronaldo's role in the squad moving forward.