World Cup 2026: Vieira warns that Ronaldo’s legacy could be tarnished

Former France international Patrick Vieira said that Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy could be slightly tarnished after the Portuguese captain failed to score in the 1‑1 draw with DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup.

Vieira made the comments on The Rest Is Football podcast, urging Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to consider benching Ronaldo in their upcoming World Cup match against Uzbekistan next week.

The Arsenal legend wants Martinez to prioritise the team over the Al‑Nassr forward.

“He has to think about the team first before thinking about Ronaldo. So he will have to make a really strong decision not to start him if the team is better without him,” Vieira said.

“I worry for him, his legacy will be spoiled a little bit if he kicks off and he gets taken off, because for two decades he has been an extraordinarily wonderful footballer.”