Sergio Gallardo

Cristiano arrives at World Cup carrying doubts

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is going through arguably his worst seasons of his career. After more than 15 years at the top, he is facing fierce criticism.

"Cristiano can't stand rejection. He turns his back on the game." The Portuguese media have filled their front pages in recent months.

Even his sister, Kátia Aveiro, has had to attack her own country to defend Cristiano: "The Portuguese are sick, mean, stupid and always ungrateful".

"Your family will always be by your side, come what may. That's why when someone rises from the ashes and changes their mentality, it's always annoying with you, my king."

Cristiano has won almost everything at club and international level, including the Euros and Nations League with Portugal. A World Cup is missing.

In the goalscoring department, he has broken records galore. He is the all-time top scorer at national team level with 117 goals and he has reached a whopping 700 goals at club level.

He now has 191 caps. He is the third most capped player in the game's history. If Portugal reach the Round of 16, he will become the second.

In Qatar, Cristiano will play in his fifth World Cup. Portugal have great individuals in the team, but there are doubts over their collective strength.