Matthaus: 'Ronaldo is the biggest disappointment of the World Cup'

Ronaldo only scored one goal at the 2022 World Cup, from the penalty spot in the opening match against Ghana 3-2. He continued to start in the victory against Uruguay 2-0 and lost to Korea 1-2, but did not leave a significant mark.

After having to leave the field early in the Korean match, Ronaldo appeared irritated and since then lost his starting place when Portugal won 6-1 Switzerland in the round of 16 and lost 0-1 to Morocco in the quarterfinals. "Cristiano Ronaldo is the biggest disappointment of the 2022 World Cup. He has hurt himself and the Portugal team," Matthaus commented in Bild on December 19. "He's a brilliant player, a world-class goalscorer, but he's destroying his legacy."

Before the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo's performance was questioned when he was no longer the main kick at Man Utd. In 12 Premier League matches, he started only four times and came on as a substitute six times. In an interview in early November with MC Piers Morgan, Ronaldo publicly criticized the club and coach Ten Hag. As a result, the team agreed to terminate the contract half a year early.

After the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo returned to practice with his old club Real Madrid. He is looking for a new destination in the winter transfer window, but is unlikely to be welcomed by a top European club. "It's hard for me to imagine Ronaldo playing for a certain club starting in January 2023," Matthaus said.

While Ronaldo had to leave the World Cup from the quarter-finals, the player he is often compared to, Lionel Messi crowned Argentina, thereby completing a perfect trophy collection of 10 La Ligas, four Champions Leagues, seven Balls Golden Ball, a Copa America. Besides the collective title, Messi also contributed seven goals and three passes at the 2022 World Cup, winning the Best Player and Silver Shoe awards. The golden shoe belongs to French striker Kylian Mbappe with eight goals.

Through five World Cup appearances, Messi has played 26 matches. This number breaks the record of 25 matches set by Matthaus in 1998. Matthaus attended the 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups, winning one championship and two runners-up. The former German player also won the Golden Ball in 1990.