Cristiano Ronaldo And Neymar are no longer guarantees. They've become liabilities. Portugal has to manage the immense status of CR7, who is increasingly impacting their game. Brazil, meanwhile, is still dealing with a Neymar whose body is weakened and whose return keeps being postponed.
Two legends, two problems
Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar They remain two giants of modern football. Their names alone are enough to draw cameras, fill stadiums, and fuel media debates. But at this 2026 World Cup, their presence poses a problem: do Portugal and Brazil still need to adapt?
The debate doesn't erase their careers. Ronaldo has made history for Portugal. Neymar carried Brazil on his shoulders for a long time. But a World Cup isn't won by achievements. It's won by form and immediate impact. And on those criteria, neither star inspires confidence.
Ronaldo, a captain who became a liability
Portugal's draw against DR Congo sparked controversy: should Cristiano Ronaldo still be a starter in this team? At 41, CR7 is playing in his sixth World Cup. The symbolism is powerful, but Portugal gave the impression of a team still held back by the weight of its captain. Yet, the Seleção possesses a generation capable of playing fast, combining well, varying their play, and stifling an opponent with movement. Around Ronaldo, they still too often seem forced to slow down. Of course, Ronaldo can still score. But he no longer strikes fear into his opponents.
João Neves, a symbol of a debate that has become toxic
The backlash against João Neves speaks volumes about the environment surrounding Ronaldo. The Portuguese midfielder, who scored against DR Congo, was targeted after stating a basic sporting principle: within a team, Ronaldo must also be treated like any other player, serving the team. His comments triggered violent and unfair criticism from some CR7 fans, blinded by their fanaticism. On social media, Neves was targeted, as was his partner. As is often the case with Ronaldo, the sporting debate quickly shifted to defending the idol. This is where Portugal finds itself in a bind. Discussing Ronaldo's role has become almost impossible without sparking controversy. Removing him from the starting eleven is a sporting decision, but also a political one. Keeping him in the starting lineup protects the symbol, but could weaken the team. In a World Cup, this ambiguity could prove costly.
Portugal has too much talent to play half-heartedly.
Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, João Neves, Pedro Neto: Portugal has more than enough talent to produce a more dynamic style of football. This generation doesn't need a totem. Ronaldo can still have a role. But that role can no longer be the one around which everything revolves. Portugal would be better off using him as a late-game weapon, a penalty-box striker, a finisher capable of making an impact in the final thirty minutes. It would be less glorious for the legend. It might be more useful for the team.
Neymar, talent on life support
The Neymar case is different. Sidelined with a right calf injury, Neymar has already missed the start of the Brazilian tournament. At every training session, his physical condition becomes a topic of discussion. At every press conference, his return is raised again. For Carlo Ancelotti, the situation is critical. Brazil needs to build its World Cup campaign. But Neymar continues to attract attention without offering any guarantees on the pitch. A team with title aspirations cannot build its campaign on a question mark.
Brazil needs to stop waiting for Neymar
Neymar still possesses a rare talent, but one that belongs to the past. His technical quality, vision, and ability to beat defenders and make a difference remain above average. But the very highest level isn't solely determined by past achievements. Since his serious left knee injury in 2023, Neymar hasn't provided consistent support for the Seleção. His body requires careful management. Brazil can accept this if his role is clearly limited. However, they can much less afford to continue making him the centerpiece of their project. Neymar must become a bonus, not a national expectation.
Two idiots
For Neymar and Ronaldo, the past clearly looms too large. Portugal and Brazil have enough players to move forward without clinging to their former icons. They just need to accept that.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have earned the right to respect. They haven't earned the right to be untouchable forever. International football doesn't forgive poorly managed status. A World Cup is won with players who are ready, not with legends protected out of fear of outside criticism.
Ronaldo can still help Portugal. Neymar can still be of service to Brazil. But on one condition: that they are no longer considered the focal points of their respective national teams. Their names still carry a great deal of weight. Too much weight, perhaps, for two teams that want to play fast, hard, and without looking back.
