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Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed concerns that he might lack the physical condition to make an impact at this summer's World Cup.
The Portugal forward, 41, has consistently faced scrutiny over his role with the national team, with many questioning whether the squad would perform better without him in the starting eleven.
His age has become yet another target for his critics, but on the eve of Portugal's departure to the United States, the Al Nassr forward showed no interest in entertaining doubts about his fitness.
"Physically, I'm fine," Ronaldo responded, before taking a jab at those questioning him. "Haven't you been watching the matches?"
Are Portugal Better Without Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ronaldo's status as a legend is not in question. He will always be regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game, and he stands alone at the top of the men's international scoring records with 143 goals across 228 appearances.
With eight goals in nine international appearances in 2025 and 30 goals in 37 club outings last season, it is evident Ronaldo still possesses a sharp eye for goal. The real debate is whether his scoring output can compensate for his perceived weaknesses.
It was toward the end of 2022 that serious questions began to surface around Ronaldo. His well-publicized falling out with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United centered on the veteran's limited contribution off the ball, and Ronaldo was subsequently dropped to the bench for Portugal's round of 16 and quarterfinal matches at the Qatar World Cup shortly after.
Those concerns have persisted ever since. While Ronaldo continues to score regularly, he has frequently been accused of restricting the effectiveness of his teammates, who — as the argument goes — must adapt their game to cover for his deficiencies.
Five scoreless outings at Euro 2024 only reinforced that narrative and raised further questions. Was coach Roberto Martínez too reluctant to drop Ronaldo? Had his celebrity status become an unwanted distraction for the team?
This summer will offer a clearer picture of that dilemma, as an exceptionally talented Portugal squad aims to make history. Sharing the dressing room with Ronaldo are Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Paris Saint-Germain midfielders João Neves and Vitinha, and numerous other elite players. Expectations are sky-high, and the pressure on Ronaldo to keep pace with those around him — in what is almost certainly his final World Cup — has never been greater.
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"We don't know if we're contenders or not," Ronaldo admitted. "That will be seen at the end.
"It's a very good generation and I think it's going to bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people."