Spain's midfield star Gavi has strongly defended Cristiano Ronaldo against a wave of recent criticism ahead of the high-stakes Round of 16 clash between Spain and Portugal at FIFA World Cup 2026. Dismissing the media noise, the Spanish international argued that the 41-year-old forward remains an indispensable asset to the Portuguese squad.
Gavi mounts strong defense of Ronaldo ahead of Spain vs Portugal clash
Gavi pointed out that the persistent calls to drop the veteran icon almost exclusively originate from spectators and critics outside of the Portuguese camp, rather than from within the team itself.
"Cristiano is one of the best players in history and he can make the difference at any moment," Gavi told Mundo Deportivo.
The legendary attacker has found himself under intense scrutiny lately, with an increasing number of fans and pundits calling on manager Roberto Martinez to relegate him to the bench. Despite the mounting pressure, Martínez has remained steadfast, starting Ronaldo in every single match of the tournament so far. The criticism peaked after Portugal’s sluggish 1-1 opening draw against DR Congo, where Ronaldo endured a frustrating performance and struggled to break down the African nation's disciplined defensive unit.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar discloses tactical flaw which ruined Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's dream debut
While his tournament has drawn mixed reviews, Ronaldo's campaign has still featured moments of brilliance. He bounced back from the opener by smashing a crucial brace against Uzbekistan, a feat that saw him overtake Eusebio's long-standing tally of 9 goals to become Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. However, inconsistencies resurfaced in the final group fixture against Colombia, where he went scoreless in a grueling 0-0 stalemate.
When the stakes were raised in the Round of 32, the veteran forward once again proved his knack for the big occasion. Facing a disciplined Croatia side, Ronaldo coolly converted a vital second-half penalty, sparking a successful Portuguese comeback and setting up the blockbuster knockout showdown against their Iberian neighbors.
Gavi embraces criticism over his intense style
Gavi has also faced his fair share of recent scrutiny, even though his relentless on-field aggression continues to win over a massive contingent of supporters. Addressing his critics, the midfielder acknowledged that his hard-tackling nature ruffles some feathers, but he firmly rejects the idea of changing his approach. He views himself as a highly versatile and well-rounded footballer whose core strengths are built entirely on fierce competitiveness and unmatched intensity. Confident in his identity, he accepts that detractors will always be watching his every move.
For the young Spaniard, individual noise matters far less than his commitment to the national team. Gavi reiterated that his primary focus is supporting the squad in any capacity required, expressing immense gratitude for the unwavering faith his manager has placed in him.
He stressed that lifting a World Cup requires absolute solidarity through both triumphs and hardships. With a deep and talented roster at Spain's disposal, he believes that success hinges on every single player staying united and being ready to step up and make their mark whenever called upon.