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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shut down claims that Cristiano Ronaldo is blocking the path for Portugal's next generation by retaining his spot in the starting XI. He reckons Ronaldo is still an influential player and is a better option up front for A Selecao compared to Goncalo Ramos.
Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as arguably the greatest player in Portugal's history. He is the most-capped player and highest goalscorer at the international level, garnering 138 goals and 45 assists in 221 appearances across all competitions.
Ronaldo also excelled during the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in nine fixtures. The 40-year-old scored in the semi-final and final against Germany and Spain respectively, playing a pivotal role in Portugal winning the competition.
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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez entrusted Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line ahead of other forwards, including Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota, and Joao Felix. During a segment on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand gave his take on claims that Ronaldo is 'blocking' Portugal's next generation from shining, stating (h/t @TheNassrZone):
“I don't think Ramos is better than Cristiano Ronaldo. He was a substitute for Paris Saint-Germain, while Cristiano scored two goals against Germany and Spain in the final. I don't understand this logic. He's scored 43 goals this season. This guy will be 41 when the World Cup comes around, and science says it's impossible for him to continue at this level, but he's defying all that."
He added:
"If I were in charge, I would give him a set number of minutes in each match. You can't play 90 minutes in every match and expect to finish the tournament fully fit. I'll choose specific matches for him, but I'm confident he'll score."
"I will follow this approach, but not because I think he's no longer good enough, or because he's hindering the team's development. On the contrary, he's still an influential player and he'll score.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has helped A Selecao win three trophies - Euro 2016, as well as the 2019 and 2025 editions of the UEFA Nations League.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr pushing to sign Bayern Munich defender to bolster squad: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly keen on signing Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna. The Knights of Najd are currently trying to reach an agreement with Min-jae's camp, who is allegedly keen on the move.
Aouna tweeted on X:
"EXCL: Understand Al-Nassr are pushing to sign Kim Min-jae from Bayern. Told Saudi club are insisting in the last few days and they try to reach an agreement with player camp. The South Korean center back is keen on the move"
With Aymeric Laporte being linked with a return to Europe this summer, Kim Min-jae could be an ideal replacement for Al-Nassr at centre-back. The 28-year-old is renowned for his physicality, positioning, and aerial ability, helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title this season.
