Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has addressed why Cristiano Ronaldo remains a starter for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kroos, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2014 to 2018, made the comments this week. The 2026 tournament is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with group stage matches beginning on June 11.
According to Madrid Xtra, Kroos stated that Ronaldo’s selection is based on performance, not reputation. “Ronaldo is not just playing because his name is Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s because he’s still their best attacker in the area,” Kroos said.
The former Germany international emphasized that the 41-year-old forward continues to deliver inside the penalty box, a key reason Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has kept him in the starting lineup.
Ronaldo entered the 2026 World Cup as Portugal’s captain and all-time leading scorer. He has been with the national team since 2003 and remains active at club level.