Damning Cristiano Ronaldo stat emerges during Portugal draw with DR Congo and one moment sums game up

Cristiano Ronaldo's stats during Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo sums up his disappointing performance.

After Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, all eyes turned to Ronaldo as Portugal began their World Cup campaign against DR Congo.

As expected, the 41-year-old started up front and captained his country while wearing a special World Cup kit commemorating his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Initially, things looked like they were going well for Portugal, with Paris Saint-Germain's João Neves finding the opener just six minutes into the first half.

However, an equaliser from Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa in the final moments of the first half meant that the two sides split the points, a disappointing result for Portugal who entered the match as heavy favourites.

Of course, following the full-time whistle many questions will be raised about Ronaldo's performance in the match, and the stats don't make for good viewing.

Perhaps the most damning stats for Ronaldo come in the first half, as he failed to create any chances, take a shot, successfully take-on an opponent or win a duel, let alone find the back of the net or register an assist.

What is even more alarming is that this lacklustre first half performance came despite Portugal boasting 80% possession in the opening 45 minutes.

But it isn't just Ronaldo's disappointing stats that have fans on social media sharing their frustrations.

Cristiano Ronaldo called out for frustrating moment involving Bruno Fernandes

Throughout the match many fans on social media claimed that it was clear that Ronaldo was adamant that he would be the man to score the winning goal for Portugal.

On several occasions the 41-year-old was seen calling for the ball when he was clearly not in the best position and in some cases it appeared his teammates were passing to him rather than taking a shot themselves.

However, the most damning moment came in the 68th minute as Portugal forward Francisco Conceição made a good run into the box before making a pass to Fernandes for what would have been the biggest chance of the game.

But before the ball could reach the Manchester United captain, Ronaldo ran in front of his teammate and took the shot himself, putting it well past his target.

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Reacting to the moment, one fan wrote on X: "If Ronaldo was not Glory hunting Bruno Fernandes would have scored."

While another added: "Stating the obvious but Ronaldo is holding this Portugal side back. Saw it at last Euros and World Cup qualifying vs Ireland. So much potential in this squad but they’re wasting their prime years accommodating a 41-year-old up front. It’s absolutely insane."

Wayne Rooney gives controversial verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite the backlash from fans online, Ronaldo's performance was defended by former teammate Rooney who was on punditry for the BBC during the match.

He said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is very often standing in an offside position, but that's not him being lazy, he is actually being very clever. It means that Congo constantly has to search for him.”

“And when they search for him, he automatically creates space for his teammates. So just keep an eye on his positioning, it's so clever.”

But, post-match he added that DR Congo deserved the point, stating that the African nation 'wanted it more' than Portugal.