Luis Figo’s critical comments about the previous Portugal manager, Fernando Santos, and his controversial decision during the 2022 FIFA World Cup have seen a resurgence in the online soccer community.
At the heart of the matter was Portugal’s exit from the tournament in the quarterfinals when they faced Morocco. The pivotal moment in that defeat was the surprising choice by Fernando Santos to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench prior to the game.
After the loss, Figo did not mince words when he spoke with Sports 18, stating, “You can’t win a Football World Cup with Ronaldo on the bench. Alright, you won against Switzerland? Great result! But can you do this every game? No. Leaving Ronaldo out was a mistake, this loss is on the team management and the manager.”
Figo’s comments resonated with his frustration, highlighting that although Portugal secured a 6-1 victory in a previous round with Ronaldo also on the bench, such outcomes were not sustainable. In fact, Figo went as far as labeling Santos’ decision as “the biggest mistake in Portuguese Football history.”
Luis Figo:
“Putting Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench against Morocco was the biggest mistake in Portuguese football history.” pic.twitter.com/j0mks7mupP
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) September 13, 2023
These remarks from 2022 recently resurfaced on X, posted by user @teamCronaldo, generating divided opinions in the comments section.
Some fans agreed with Figo’s assessment, contending that Ronaldo’s presence from the start could have been the game-changer. Conversely, others argued that Ronaldo had failed to make a substantial impact in the 47 minutes (including stoppage time) he played, casting doubt on whether an additional 45 minutes would have altered the outcome.
The controversy surrounding Santos’ decision and Portugal’s untimely exit still weighs heavily on Ronaldo’s supporters. This is especially significant as reports suggest that the 2022 edition could potentially be Ronaldo’s last World Cup, with retirement after the Euros in 2024 looming as a possibility.
Luis Figo on Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al-Nassr
In recent years, Luis Figo, a former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo on the Portuguese national team, has been quite outspoken about the star player. He didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts on Ronaldo’s surprising move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Earlier this year, Figo conveyed his perspective on Ronaldo’s decision to join Al-Nassr, emphasizing the importance of respecting the player’s choice. While this move was perceived by many as a step down in Ronaldo’s career, Figo believed it was a personal decision, not uncommon among players as they approach the twilight of their careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo so far for Al Nassr in the Saudi pro league – Augustpic.twitter.com/3XVBmd3xdt
— L (@lanrrrre) September 5, 2023
Speaking during a UEFA event held in Istanbul, Figo stated, “The decision to play in a different country, embracing a new culture and adjust to a different level of competition is a highly personal matter for players nearing the end of their careers. These decisions are deeply personal, and it is incumbent upon us to show respect.”
Since Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr. Saudi Pro League clubs have experienced a meteoric rise to prominence. They conducted substantial transfer activities in the recently concluded transfer window, investing approximately $950 million to attract some of the biggest stars away from European clubs, including the likes of Karim Benzema and Neymar Jr.
In the current season, Cristiano Ronaldo has made an exceptional start to his Saudi Pro League journey, netting six goals and providing four assists in just four games. These impressive statistics have propelled him to the top of the league’s scoring and assist charts, showcasing his enduring quality on the soccer field.