For Portugal’s biggest game yet at the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself where he most despises.
The bench.
The 37-year-old megastar was not named in the starting lineup for the team’s pivotal Round of 16 clash against Switzerland on Tuesday. It’s the first game of the tournament that he’s a reserve.
Goncalo Ramos took Ronaldo’s place at striker.
Just days before the World Cup, Ronaldo infamously spoke out against his ex-club team Manchester United in a sit-down interview with Piers Morgan. He notably said he was “betrayed” by the club, and railed against the team’s decision to repeatedly select other forwards in the starting lineup over him. He then agreed to a mutual split with the club, and had been recently linked with Saudi club Al-Nassr.
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Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 6, 2022. FIFA via Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey (l.) hanging at his locker before Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland. Ronaldo was benched for the game. FIFA via Getty ImagesThe World Cup and Portugal squad were supposed to offer Ronaldo a reprieve. Instead, it’s stirred even more controversy. Portugal coach Fernando Santos says he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s attitude after he was subbed off in Portugal’s final group game — a loss against South Korea on Friday.
Ronaldo has one goal in the tournament, scoring from a penalty in Portugal’s World Cup-opening win over Ghana.
