Thierry Henry has gone viral online for his comments surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance against DR Congo in Portugal’s World Cup opener.

The 41-year-old started for Roberto Martinez’s side from the off in his sixth World Cup, and it got off to an ideal start when Joao Neves scored after just six minutes.

Portugal were unable to make that early lead count, as DR Congo pushed and eventually equalised through Yoane Wissa on the stroke of half-time.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but ultimately Ronaldo and his side were left frustrated as they had to settle for a point to kickstart the tournament.

With all the focus on the legendary striker, Henry’s analysis showed where he struggled in the match.

Thierry Henry Analyses Cristiano Ronaldo Performance

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Phil Noble

After another difficult match for Ronaldo, there was plenty of criticism for his lack of impact on the game, as he often drifted behind defenders and lurked in the box for opportunity.

Despite question marks over his position, Martinez has stood by the star striker, but Henry is worried that he isn’t being selfless enough at the key moments.

Speaking on FOX after the match, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward said:

“One thing that’s important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. Not you needs to score…

“Because he wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend. And that’s my thing: The team needs to score. Not you.”

He also pointed out how frustrated Bruno Fernandes looked when Ronaldo took on a shot instead of leaving the ball for him.

It was a scathing assessment of Ronaldo’s display, who managed just three shots and 25 touches in the match, as he proved relatively ineffective.

Henry’s verdict went viral on social media, sparking a strong reaction, with many agreeing with the Frenchman, questioning whether he should start in the next two group games. Although some felt Ronaldo shouldn’t be so harshly criticised.

Do Portugal Need To Drop Ronaldo?

It may be controversial, it may catch headlines, but it is probably time for Martinez to consider dropping Ronaldo from the starting lineup for the following matches.

Portugal need a greater presence up front, who can cause more problems and give the opposition defence something to think about in and around the box.

Ronaldo’s lack of touches and all-around lack of athleticism at 41 prevented him from troubling DR Congo too much in the key moments of the match.

While he could be an option from the bench to poach in the box, there are options such as Goncalo Ramos who could provide the solution to their woes up front.

It will draw conversations and controversy, given his stature, but it might be time to do it for Portugal’s sake.

Tottenham’s busy summer transfer window activity is showing no signs of slowing down, as reports claim that a huge offer is being prepared for a key target in the market.

Roberto De Zerbi has already been boosted by a couple of major moves, as Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi join early in the window, signing as free agents.

A fee has been agreed with Brighton to sign Jan Paul van Hecke to bolster the backline even further, while talks are ongoing to sign Savinho from Manchester City this summer.

With almost every position covered so far, it makes sense that the next area of focus is the midfield, where Tottenham need some more quality in possession.

The main target for that role appears to be Sandro Tonali, as Spurs enter the race to land the Italian international.

Tottenham Prepare Sandro Tonali Offer

Tottenham are showing interest in Tonali this summer, as they join a race filled with rivals who are positioning themselves to land the Newcastle star.

Reports of a potential exit for the ‘world-class’ 26-year-old have only fuelled interest from clubs, while the Magpies are holding out for a fee in the region of £100 million to sanction a deal.

While other teams sit and wait for a move, Tottenham are being proactive and are ready to put up a huge fee, but not quite the valuation set by their Premier League rivals.

Journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims that the Lilywhites are preparing an offer in the region of £85 million for Tonali, in the hopes that it could seal a move.

Roberto De Zerbi is claimed to have a great relationship with Tonali already, which has led to him giving priority to Spurs over any potential transfer this summer.

It remains to be seen whether that could change with the involvement of other clubs, while it’s unclear whether Newcastle would be willing to cash in for a price lower than their initial valuation.

Tottenham Must Capitalise On Tonali Advantage

Tottenham are in a strong position to land Tonali, not because of their recent league finishes, but because of the quick work they are already doing in the transfer market.

Rivals for his signature, such as Arsenal and Manchester City, are all either waiting on other deals or haven’t yet made a move to land the star.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s quick thinking to sort out other problem positions means that moving on to Tonali relatively quickly could see them land a deal for a midfielder they wouldn’t have otherwise secured.

The connection with De Zerbi means there is likely some instant buy-in from the Italian international, which could also prove pivotal in the decision he makes.

It’s a move that may not have otherwise come about, especially with the competition to sign him. It means Tottenham can’t afford to miss out on him.

Tonali’s quality on the ball, and his ability off it, means Spurs could have an all-round midfielder who can give them some calmness in the centre of the pitch that has been lacking.

It remains to be seen whether they can seal a move, but it’s one that the club can’t let slip, now he is in their sights.

Having yet to win the tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo featured at his sixth World Cup as Portugal took on DR Congo. His team were poor, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw.

The Portuguese players started brightly and took a lead through a fine Joao Neves header after just six minutes. However, their opponents caused plenty of threat throughout the first half and found an equaliser just before the break, with Premier League striker Yoane Wissa heading home to make it 1-1.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Portugal getting on the ball but struggling to create, while Congo looked to threaten on the break. In the end, the game fizzled out with the African side delighted to take their first-ever point at a World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Struggles in First 2026 World Cup Outing

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Naturally, all eyes were on Ronaldo during the game, but he struggled to make an impact in the first-half. Indeed, during the break, BBC Sport revealed that he had touched the ball just 16 times and failed to get any shots away at goal.

The second half was more of the same, but Ronaldo did finally get a shot away just before the 70th minute. He scuffed an effort wide when he should have perhaps left it for Bruno Fernandes. Moments later, he had a similar chance, although he was unable to work the goalkeeper with his effort, once again missing from close range.

Despite Ronaldo’s struggles, manager Roberto Martinez kept his captain on, even subbing off midfielder Vitinha in the 83rd minute to get striker Goncalo Ramos on the pitch. This did not pay off as the 41-year-old made little to no impact in the dying stages.

He finished the match with a 6.2 SofaScore player rating, the joint-worst of all Portugal players (level with Bernardo Silva, who was subbed at half time). In total, Ronalso had just three shots but didn’t hit the target with any. On top of that, he managed only 25 touches, which was fewer than goalkeeper Diogo Costa (37).

Fans Slam Ronaldo vs DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes

Fans were not very impressed with Ronaldo as he failed to make much of an impact on proceedings. One said:

One more added: “Ronaldo is such a bad luck to this team.”

Even the kinder takes suggested Ronaldo should be dropped: “Ronaldo is the goat, but he shouldn’t be a starter. He needs to be on the bench.”

One said: “I’m a huge Messi fan but it hurts seeing Ronaldo not play the way he used too.” Another added: “Bernardo and Ronaldo are just too old. They slow down rest of team.”

Others were more blunt, however, with one fan saying: “Ronaldo is for Portugal such a horrible player man he is so finished.” One more said, “Now the whole world can see how washed Ronaldo is.”

One fan pointed out how he should have left one chance for Fernandes, instead of shooting: “It was literally a perfect pass to Bruno but Ronaldo made a bad choice.”

A final supporter damningly said: “Ronaldo as usual the worst Portuguese player on the pitch.”