Omar Al Somah says Portugal are stronger without Cristiano Ronaldo

Omar Al Somah has claimed Portugal can perform better without Cristiano Ronaldo, arguing that the captain is no longer capable of exerting the same technical and physical influence he once had.

The former Al Ahli striker made the comments as controversy continued to surround Ronaldo’s position within the Portugal squad and his relationship with manager Jorge Jesus. The dispute intensified during the latest international break after Jesus left Ronaldo out of the team’s meeting with Norway.

The coach then announced that the 40-year-old would not start Portugal’s next match, prompting Ronaldo to leave the national-team camp. The incident created significant uncertainty over the relationship between the player and his manager.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Al Somah said: “There is no dispute over Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability, but he is no longer the player he was before. He is not capable of performing at the same technical and physical levels, and Portugal are currently better without him.”

The Syria striker also offered a blunt assessment of how Portugal’s players appear to involve Ronaldo during matches. He suggested some of his team-mates were reluctant to direct play towards him.

“Even the players do not want to play towards him,” Al Somah said. “I see some players changing their positions and the direction in which they deliver the ball, away from Ronaldo.”

His remarks amount to a direct criticism of Ronaldo’s current role within the Portugal team, while also raising questions about whether the captain still retains the same authority and influence among his international team-mates.

Ronaldo has an exceptional record with Portugal, but Al Somah’s comments have added to the debate over whether he can continue to make the same contribution as he has throughout his international career. That discussion has become more prominent as his role on the pitch has changed and the latest disagreement with Jesus has brought his future with the national team into focus.

The dispute reached a decisive point during the international break, when Ronaldo departed the Portugal camp and returned to Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. He is expected to rejoin Al Nassr training and continue his club career with the team in the coming period.

The events have left Ronaldo’s position with Portugal under close scrutiny, particularly after Jesus’ decision not to select him against Norway and the subsequent confirmation that he would not begin the next match. Against that backdrop, Al Somah’s view that Portugal are more effective without their captain has intensified the discussion around the veteran forward’s international future.