Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has downplayed Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive two-goal performance for Portugal in their 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Armenia on September 6, 2025. Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley maintained his criticism of the 40-year-old star, insisting that despite scoring many goals, Ronaldo struggles to perform in major tournaments.
Burley acknowledged Ronaldo’s achievement of netting 140 goals in 222 appearances for Portugal but argued that the goals often come against “smaller teams,” with less impact in big games like the Euros and World Cups. “The question remains when he’s been at the top level against the bigger teams… he’s either been anonymous or been dragged off the pitch,” Burley said.
While Ronaldo’s brace was celebrated by fans, Burley labeled recent competitions such as the UEFA Nations League as less significant, suggesting they do not prove Ronaldo’s effectiveness at the highest level. Burley believes Portugal coach Roberto Martinez should consider dropping Ronaldo from the national team due to diminishing returns in crucial matches.
Ronaldo’s latest goals came as Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign emphatically, further cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in football history. Still, Burley’s critique reflects ongoing debates about Ronaldo’s current form and relevance on the international stage.
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