Cristiano Ronaldo played a key part in Portugal’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but his place in the starting 11 has been questioned by many fans and pundits. Francisco Conceição was the latest to be asked for his thoughts on the comments, and the Juventus star had a clear answer.
Francisco Conceição on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role in Portugal
Ronaldo played five FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2025 and scored five goals before getting sent off against Ireland in the penultimate game. He was suspended for the Armenia match, which Portugal won 9-1 to comfortably seal its place in the tournament this summer.
The national team’s performance with the captain suspended prompted many to discuss the importance of having the Al-Nassr forward in the lineup. Pundits and fans alike claimed it was time for him to accept a bench role and play fewer minutes, arguing it would be better for the team.
Conceição was quizzed about it on Sport TV this week, and he said it was normal for people to comment on such matters. He revealed that the players are fully behind the national team captain and stated there is no evidence to suggest the Real Madrid legend should be benched.
“It’s normal for people to always have their opinion, everyone has their own, but we feel that Cris, for everything he does and continues to do… There is nothing that the facts do not say. If he continues to score the goals he has been doing, without a doubt, he is a help for the national team.”
The Juventus star also praised the Portugal squad, saying it is the perfect mix of experience and youth. He said the group is hungry to win everything and has high expectations every time it steps onto the pitch.
“It’s a group with a lot of capacity, we have a lot of quality, and that makes expectations very high, but that mix gives a lot to the national team. We have great players who have already won everything, and we are hungry to want to win everything. That mix and all the quality make us more than prepared.”
Conceição admitted he is eager to play at the FIFA World Cup and hopes to be part of the Cristiano Ronaldo-led squad. He is focused on performing well for his club this season in hopes of earning a call-up from national team coach Roberto Martinez.
