Former Uruguay forward Diego Forlan has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s attack at the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the veteran striker’s current style of play is reducing the team’s overall effectiveness despite his proven goalscoring ability.
Forlan made the remarks as Portugal prepare for a difficult Round of 32 encounter against Croatia, with scrutiny continuing over Ronaldo’s performances during the tournament. Although the Portuguese captain scored twice against Uzbekistan, his displays against DR Congo and Colombia have fuelled debate about whether he remains the best option to lead the attack deep into the competition.
The former Manchester United forward insisted that the issue is not Ronaldo’s finishing ability but the way he now operates on the pitch, believing that his positioning is making it easier for opponents to defend against Portugal.
Forlan highlights concerns over Ronaldo’s positioning
Speaking in comments published by the Spanish newspaper Marca, Forlan explained why he believes Portugal’s attacking rhythm has suffered.
“Speaking as a striker, the problem is that Cristiano always positions himself deep as a pure striker, and stays there waiting to score. He no longer comes out much to look for the ball, and this affects Portugal’s performance.”
According to Forlan, remaining inside the penalty area allows opposition central defenders to stay organised instead of being forced out of position.
“When Ronaldo stays stationary inside the penalty area, he gives the opposing center-backs a chance to position themselves easily, and he doesn’t create the spaces his teammates need to move around.”
He argued that this approach ultimately restricts Portugal’s attacking options by limiting the movement available to the players around him.
“The defenders stay in their positions, and by doing so you close the spaces yourself, so your teammates do not find enough space to reach you or create opportunities.”
Portugal’s attacking talent deserves greater freedom
Forlan believes Portugal possess enough creative quality to trouble any defence but suggested that the current attacking structure is preventing the side from making full use of its strengths.
He pointed to players including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao as footballers capable of making a decisive impact if given more room to operate.
Rather than criticising Ronaldo personally, Forlan said he was offering tactical advice that could benefit both the striker and the team.
“If he moves a little towards the flanks, he will open up space for his teammates to move into the center, and he will also become more involved in the play.”
He added: “That’s where Portugal stumbles, because everything ends in one direction, as if the attack goes through a narrow passage, so the team doesn’t show the strength it possesses.”
Advice ahead of the knockout stage
Forlan stressed that he still considers Ronaldo one of football’s elite finishers and does not believe the Portuguese captain has lost his instinct in front of goal.
“I’m not saying it’s a problem, but he needs to understand that he needs to move more and get out of the penalty area in order to make a difference.”
Portugal now head into the knockout rounds under increasing pressure, with coach Roberto Martinez facing decisions over how best to use his captain against Croatia.
Despite the criticism, Forlan maintained that Ronaldo remains capable of playing a decisive role if he adapts his approach.
“Cristiano still has the quality to score goals, and he hasn’t lost his scoring instinct, but if Portugal wants to go far in the World Cup, he has to change his playing style and move more.”
He concluded by reiterating the tactical adjustment he believes would strengthen Portugal’s attack.
“If Ronaldo gets out of the penalty area and moves towards the wings, he will open up spaces for his teammates, and the Portuguese attack will become more varied and more difficult for opponents.”
As Portugal prepare for the knockout phase, the discussion surrounding Ronaldo’s influence is expected to remain a major talking point, with Forlan arguing that a change in movement rather than a change in personnel could be the key to unlocking the team’s full attacking potential.
