Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:04 p.m. / Updated Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2:04 p.m.
Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel (54) claims Portugal could be disadvantaged by Cristiano Ronaldo (41) at the 2026 World Cup.
A former Premier League player for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham, Friedel believes Ronaldo has changed his playing style a lot.
Brad Friedel believes Ronaldo would be a disadvantage for Portugal at the World Cup: “There comes a time when a player can be detrimental to the team”
“All players must retire at some point. That's the way things are. We look at Ronaldo and he still looks incredibly good physically, but the way he plays has changed.
There comes a time when a certain player can be detrimental to the team collectively. But at the same time, he's not the kind of player you can leave on the bench,” said Brad Friedel in an interview with Talk Sport.
Brad Friedel, during his time playing for Aston Villa / Photo: Imago Images
“If you leave Ronaldo out of the team, that's what will be talked about at the World Cup. I'm very grateful that I don't have to make that decision. Because obviously I think I'm on the decline (no Messi and Ronaldo).
Messi still plays a lot at Inter Miami. If he can still score and help? Yes. He can still help Argentina, because he is Messi, but Ronaldo, nowadays, especially when the team needs to defend, is not going to do much.”
Friedel insisted on the defensive aspect: “You're a coach and you're going to play against the best teams in the world defending with 10 players? It's a difficult thing to do.
The good thing about Messi is that he never defended. Teams have always been built in such a way that he floats on the field. That's how it's always been. I'm not sure, but there will be very complicated decisions to make.”
