Following a less than stellar start to the 2026 World Cup, discussions around Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal national team have resurfaced. The 1-1 draw against DR Congo has added fuel to the fire, with former player Kevin-Prince Boateng suggesting that Ronaldo might need to make some sacrifices for the betterment of the team.

While there's no denying Ronaldo's talent and his immense contribution to Portugal over the years, the question now is whether his presence on the field truly benefits the collective performance of the team. Boateng's proposal for Ronaldo to consider a bench role is seen as a controversial yet potentially necessary step for Portugal to excel in the tournament.

As Portugal aims to make a strong impact at the 2026 World Cup, tough decisions may need to be made. The suggestion that a team without Ronaldo on the pitch could fare better raises interesting questions about individual stardom versus cohesive teamwork. It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will heed Boateng's advice and what impact it could have on Portugal's performance moving forward.