Cristiano Ronaldo benched for Portugal vs. Switzerland at World Cup

December 6, 2022

For Portugal’s biggest game yet at the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself where he most despises.

The bench.

The 37-year-old megastar was not named in the starting lineup for the team’s pivotal Round of 16 clash against Switzerland on Tuesday. It’s the first game of the tournament that he’s a reserve.

Goncalo Ramos took Ronaldo’s place at striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) on the bench during Portugal's World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022. — Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) on the bench during Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022.

Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) celebrates teammate Pepe's goal during Portugal's World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022. — Cristiano Ronaldo (l.) celebrates teammate Pepe’s goal during Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022.

Photographers swarm Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal's bench before their World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022. — Photographers swarm Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal’s bench before their World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 5, 2022.

Just days before the World Cup, Ronaldo infamously spoke out against his ex-club team Manchester United in a sit-down interview with Piers Morgan. He notably said he was “betrayed” by the club, and railed against the team’s decision to repeatedly select other forwards in the starting lineup over him. He then agreed to a mutual split with the club, and had been recently linked with Saudi club Al-Nassr.

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Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Portugal's World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 6, 2022. — Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland on Dec. 6, 2022.

Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey (l.) hanging at his locker before Portugal's World Cup match against Switzerland. Ronaldo was benched for the game. — Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey (l.) hanging at his locker before Portugal’s World Cup match against Switzerland. Ronaldo was benched for the game.

The World Cup and Portugal squad were supposed to offer Ronaldo a reprieve. Instead, it’s stirred even more controversy. Portugal coach Fernando Santos says he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s attitude after he was subbed off in Portugal’s final group game — a loss against South Korea on Friday.

Ronaldo has one goal in the tournament, scoring from a penalty in Portugal’s World Cup-opening win over Ghana.