Thierry Henry Criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo After Portugal’s Draw With DR Congo in World Cup Qualifier

Former France international Thierry Henry has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s approach during Portugal’s 1-1 draw against Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Portugal were expected to begin their qualifying journey with a victory, but the African side produced a resilient performance to secure a historic result. The draw marked DR Congo’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup, adding another memorable chapter to the nation’s football history.

Following the match, Henry did not hold back in his assessment of Ronaldo’s performance. Speaking during a post-match analysis, the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker suggested that the Portuguese captain appeared more focused on getting his name on the scoresheet than making decisions that would benefit the team as a whole.

“The team needs to score, not you need to score,” Henry remarked while breaking down key moments from the game.

The French football icon pointed to a second-half attacking move involving João Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes as an example of what he believed was a poor tactical decision from Ronaldo. According to Henry, the veteran forward made a run that disrupted a promising attacking sequence rather than creating space for his teammates.

Analyzing the play, Henry explained that Ronaldo could have drawn defenders into the six-yard box, opening up a clear opportunity for Fernandes to finish the move. Instead, he argued that Ronaldo moved into an area already occupied by his teammate, making it easier for the Congolese defense to shut down the attack.

Henry suggested that Ronaldo’s instinct to position himself for a scoring opportunity ultimately limited Portugal’s attacking options in that moment. In his view, a more selfless movement could have created the decisive chance Portugal needed to secure all three points.

Portugal had taken the lead earlier in the match through a header from João Neves, putting the European side in control. However, DR Congo responded impressively and found an equalizer before halftime through Yoane Wissa, who stunned the Portuguese supporters and ensured the teams went into the break level.

Despite Portugal’s dominance in possession and attacking opportunities, DR Congo held firm throughout the second half to claim a valuable point. The result not only frustrated Portugal’s hopes of an ideal start but also represented a landmark achievement for the Congolese national team.

Henry’s comments have already sparked debate among football fans, with opinions divided over whether Ronaldo’s desire to score affected Portugal’s attacking efficiency. While some supporters believe the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains Portugal’s biggest attacking threat, others agree with Henry’s assessment that collective play should take priority in crucial moments.

As Portugal prepare for their next World Cup qualifier, the spotlight will remain firmly on Ronaldo and whether the veteran forward can help guide his team back to winning ways while balancing personal ambition with the needs of the squad.