Scholes has strongly criticised Cristiano Ronaldo, declaring that at 41 the superstar should no longer lead Portugal’s attack at the World Cup

Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the 41-year-old forward has become a problem for Portugal at the World Cup and should no longer start as a centre-forward.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner started and played the full 90 minutes in Portugal’s opening Group stage match against DR Congo on Wednesday, a game that ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.

Despite early dominance, Portugal failed to convert their control into victory, with Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa equalising against the run of play.

Ronaldo had a forgettable evening, failing to create a chance, take a shot, complete a dribble or win a single duel in the first half. Coach Roberto Martinez kept him on the pitch while substituting several key players.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes, who played alongside Ronaldo for six years at Manchester United, did not hold back. “At 41 years of age… I believe there is only one position on the field where a player of that age should be starting, and that is as a goalkeeper, in my opinion.”

The England legend admitted he had privately asked Roberto Martinez whether Ronaldo was a problem.

“I feel he is somewhat of a concern,” Scholes added. He argued that in transition games, Ronaldo’s movement at 41 is simply not suited to the demands of a centre-forward.

“For me, he has to be a player for the last 15 minutes,” Scholes continued. “For a 40 or 41-year-old to be playing centre-forward, I just don’t get it. You might get away with it at centre-half… or as a goalkeeper, but as a centre-forward at 41… it’s not right.”

Scholes expressed sympathy for Martinez, noting the lack of a strong alternative centre-forward but insisting Ronaldo would be far more effective as an impact substitute.

He also suggested the Portuguese superstar would be privately frustrated after seeing Lionel Messi score a hat-trick and Kylian Mbappe net twice in their respective matches.

The outspoken comments have ignited fresh debate about Ronaldo’s role as Portugal chase a first World Cup title.

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While many fans remain fiercely loyal to their captain, who became the first player to appear in six World Cups, others increasingly share concerns about his starting place in a talented squad that includes rising stars such as Joao Neves.