Landon Donovan Defends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Selection- 'He Has Big Ego But Won Things'

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Landon Donovan Defends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Selection- 'He Has Big Ego But Won Things'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 6:02 PM ET

One of the biggest names that football fans expect at the 2026 World Cup is Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portugal national team.

Portugal will be playing in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the Path 1 FIFA play-offs, which could be Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia.

With Ronaldo turning 41 years old in February, some football fans are unsure whether the Portuguese striker will be consistent in the lineup during the World Cup.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw, USMNT legends Cobi Jones, Landon Donovan, Alexi Lalas, and Stu Holden discussed Ronaldo and Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Hungary at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 14, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Jones questioned how Ronaldo would react if he did not start matches for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. While many believe that Ronaldo would have an issue with being benched, Donovan thinks that the Portuguese striker would not react poorly if he doesn't get many minutes in the next World Cup.

Landon Donovan on Cristiano Ronaldo

Landon Donovan talks briefly about missing the USMNT World Cup roster in 2014 and wanting to just be a part of the squad, let alone starting matches for the USMNT.

Donovan says, "I wanted to be a part of it [World Cup roster] and I think Cristiano would be the same. Yes, he has a big ego and a personality and all of that, but he's won things for them. He's been there forever. He's 40. Of course, he wants to be there."

The USMNT legend continues to explain that Ronaldo would be fine to just be a part of the squad, as the main goal is for Portugal to win the World Cup for the first time.

Donovan said, "If they say, 'Look, there is three games in the group. One of them is going to be Curaçao or something, and we'll play you in that one, but against Spain, we're not. I think he's fine with that."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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