As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, all eyes are on a familiar face — Cristiano Ronaldo — who at 41 is chasing the one major trophy that has eluded him. Portugal opens its campaign against DR Congo on June 17, and the question hovering over the tournament is not whether the team is good enough, but whether its aging superstar can accept a reduced role.
Few people know the weight of a World Cup title better than Frank Lebouef, the former Chelsea defender and 1998 World Cup winner. In an exclusive interview with Clutchpoints, Lebouef broke down what it would take for Ronaldo to lift the trophy — and it starts with something the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has rarely had to do: sit on the bench.
“What’s gonna be the situation with Cristiano Ronaldo? He’s 41, if I’m not mistaken. I’m not sure he can play every three days for a World Cup,” Lebouef said. “So he will have to understand that he has to be on the bench sometimes. If he accepts the role and does like he did during the Euro 2016 against France in the final when he got injured and was on the bench … Portugal has a chance to get him the World Cup.”
Lebouef pointed to Lionel Messi’s 2022 triumph as a blueprint. Argentina’s entire squad, he argued, sacrificed individual glory to serve their captain — from Emiliano Martinez to Lisandro Martinez. Portugal, he believes, has the talent to do the same, especially in midfield with Rúben Neves, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva, and with Nuno Mendes providing width on the left. But the key variable is Ronaldo’s willingness to step aside when necessary.
The GOAT Debate and a Potential Fairytale Ending
When asked about the endless Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, Lebouef didn’t pick a side — but he did acknowledge how fitting it would be if both legends ended their World Cup journeys with a title. “After Messi, then you have Ronaldo getting the World Cup,” he said. “That would be symbolic and very nice ending to the rivalry that they have because nobody can say. That’s stupid to say Messi is a GOAT, Ronaldo is a GOAT.”
Messi opened his 2026 campaign with a hat-trick against Algeria, setting a high bar. Portugal also faces Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage, and manager Roberto Martínez will have to manage Ronaldo’s minutes carefully. The team has not confirmed how it plans to rotate its squad, but Lebouef’s warning is clear: if Ronaldo fights the role, Portugal’s chances drop significantly.
How Ronaldo and Messi Changed the Ballon d’Or — and the Game
Lebouef also reflected on how the two superstars elevated the sport’s most prestigious individual award. “Before them, we didn’t care about the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “They are guilty to have put that trophy … at the top of the world. But at the same time, it’s so amazing what they were capable of doing.” For Lebouef, comparisons are pointless — fans should simply be grateful they witnessed both legends at the same time.
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