A female talkSPORT commentator has sparked controversy by suggesting that Bruno Fernandes should refuse to take the field if coach Roberto Martinez continues to start Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup.
Fernandes is considered the creative core of Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. The 31-year-old midfielder displayed excellent form at Man Utd in the 2025-2026 season, breaking the assist record in the Premier League and winning a double of Player of the Season awards as voted by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) and the Premier League.
However, Ronaldo’s position in Portugal’s attack is becoming a topic of debate. Holding the record of 143 goals in 226 matches for the national team, the 41-year-old forward has yet to score a single goal in the knockout stages of any World Cup. He fired blanks at Euro 2024 and disappointed in the friendly matches preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
On the talkSPORT Daily program, commentator Angelina Kelly offered a shocking perspective, suggesting that Fernandes should apply pressure to force the coaching staff to make a change.
“Fernandes is 31 years old and might not have a better chance to win the World Cup. If Portugal is crowned champion and he continues to maintain his current form, Fernandes could absolutely become a Ballon d’Or candidate,” she assessed.
According to Kelly, that opportunity will be compromised if Portugal continues to pursue the “Ronaldo project.” The commentator stated: “Fernandes should refuse to play if Ronaldo still starts. Ronaldo has not been at the required standard at this level since the last Euro, or even the previous World Cup. It is now 2026, but he refuses to stop.”
Kelly argued that Ronaldo’s recent performances show clear signs of aging, from missed one-on-one chances to instances of not passing the ball to teammates in more favorable positions. She also criticized the Portuguese Football Federation for relying too heavily on Ronaldo’s commercial appeal.
“Portugal needs someone to stand up and put an end to this,” Kelly emphasized. “Fernandes should tell Roberto Martinez that Ronaldo can no longer be in the starting lineup. If not, he should leave the team. Ronaldo is reducing his own teammates’ chances of winning the World Cup and, at the same time, affecting his own legacy.”
