Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has laid the blame for Portugal's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 squarely at the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-manager Roberto Martinez, arguing that poor selection decisions cost the nation dearly.

Sutton, speaking to BBC Sport, minced no words in his verdict. "He's waddling around the field like a grandad, that's why Portugal are out," the pundit said of the 41-year-old Ronaldo. "Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing."

The Ramos question

Central to Sutton's case is Goncalo Ramos, who was left on the bench despite producing a memorable hat-trick against Switzerland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the last occasion Martinez's predecessor showed the courage to drop Ronaldo from the starting line-up.

"Ramos played in the last 16 at the last World Cup and scored a hat-trick when the manager had a bit of courage to leave Ronaldo out," Sutton said. "We're four years on, Ronaldo is four years older and look what's happened. What is Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much?"

The Chelsea legend was unsparing in his conclusion: "Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez."

End of a World Cup dream

At 41, Ronaldo led the line for Portugal throughout the tournament, sparking considerable debate about whether such loyalty to a veteran served the team's best interests. Spain's late winner in Dallas proved the final blow, ending what was widely considered Ronaldo's last realistic opportunity to claim a FIFA World Cup winners' medal.

Critics pointed to his inability to press opponents and contribute defensively — physical demands that younger forwards routinely meet. Martinez's insistence on selecting Ronaldo, despite those limitations, has drawn widespread condemnation following Portugal's exit.