Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Portugal's hopes of winning the World Cup, insisting Cristiano Ronaldo should no longer be leading the line despite the country's progress to the round of 16.
The former Sweden striker delivered a scathing assessment of his long-time contemporary, arguing Portugal are relying too heavily on a player he believes is no longer capable of carrying the attack at 41 years of age.
Ronaldo has helped Portugal reach the last 16 after Roberto Martinez's side battled back to beat Croatia 2-1, setting up a heavyweight showdown with Spain.
But Ibrahimovic believes Portugal's continued faith in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could ultimately cost them as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Speaking to Goal, the AC Milan great claimed Portugal should be looking beyond Ronaldo and pointed to Goncalo Ramos as evidence they have a ready-made alternative.
"Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack," he said.
"Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has questioned Portugal's hopes of winning the World Cup, insisting Cristiano Ronaldo should no longer be leading the line despite the country's progress to the round of 16
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He then launched an even stronger criticism of Ronaldo's current role within the team.
"This isn’t ‘legendary leadership.’ It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage," he continued.
"Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Now he’s just in the box… At this point, his aura is supporting him more than his legs. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia-driven madness."
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Five things to know about Cristiano Ronaldo | GETTY/GB NEWSDespite the criticism, Ronaldo played a key role as Portugal continued their quest for glory, scoring a penalty.
Croatia looked on course to take the tie to extra time before Portugal struck a dramatic late winner.
Rafael Leao delivered a cross deep into stoppage time that was met by Goncalo Ramos, who powered home a decisive header in the 94th minute to seal victory.
There was late drama at the other end as Josko Gvardiol thought he had rescued Croatia, only for a lengthy VAR review to rule the goal out after Igor Matanovic was judged to have been offside in the build-up.
Earlier in the contest, Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot to bring Portugal level.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three World Cup goals so far
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The strike represented another landmark in the veteran forward's remarkable career, with the goal his first in the knockout stages of a World Cup during his record-extending sixth appearance at the tournament.
Portugal will now turn their attention to a blockbuster last-16 meeting with Spain, where Martinez's side will look to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Spain secured their own involvement in the match with a 3-0 victory over Austria on Thursday.
Whether Ronaldo retains his place in the starting XI is likely to remain a major talking point.