José Mourinho Unimpressed by Portugal’s Stalemate Against Mexico, Insists Ronaldo Remains Indispensable

Lisbon—José Mourinho, now steering Benfica after trophy-laden spells across Europe, has delivered a blunt assessment of Portugal’s goalless draw with Mexico, arguing that the Seleção das Quinas looked “ordinary” without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS after the match, Mourinho—who coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013—said the friendly laid bare Portugal’s reliance on their all-time leading scorer. “Take Cristiano Ronaldo out of the picture and Portugal look like any run-of-the-mill team,” he remarked. “People keep asking us not to call him up. Well, he didn’t play, and you saw the result. No threat, no fear from the opposition. Just a team being put under pressure by Mexico.”

The 41-year-old forward, currently nursing a muscle injury, watched from afar as Roberto Martínez’s side failed to break down El Tri. In his absence, Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos started up front but was withdrawn before the hour-mark for 33-year-old Paulinho, a striker with only four caps.

Portugal’s next test comes Tuesday against a reeling U.S. squad still smarting from a 5–2 collapse versus Belgium. Despite the drab display against Mexico, Martínez remains bullish on Ronaldo’s readiness for this summer’s World Cup, where the captain—if selected—would become the fourth-oldest player in tournament history.

“He is our captain and is very important, very influential,” Martínez said. “He still plays a fundamental role as captain. The way he finishes, his mentality, he inspires. I don’t know when the end will come. He’s not a 41-year-old player; he’s a player who tries to improve every day.”

Ronaldo, who struck five goals in qualifying to help Portugal secure one of 42 berths at the expanded 2026 finals, is expected to be available for the group stage despite a red card last November against the Republic of Ireland. FIFA deferred the final two matches of his suspension for a one-year probation period, clearing the path for him to face Jamaica or DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

Mourinho, for his part, sees no debate. “When Ronaldo is on the pitch, the opposition think twice. Without him, they don’t think at all.”