Ngal’ayel Mukau is 21 years old, plays for Lille in France, and has just told the world that no one in DR Congo bothered to come up with a plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo. The reason? “He’s not the same as before”. Age, he said, is taking its toll on him. 🎙️
The statement came in the mixed zone, a few hours after the 1-1 draw between Portugal and DR Congo in Houston in Group K of the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, 41 years old and in his sixth World Cup, wasted two clear chances in front of goal and touched the ball only 25 times in the entire match. Portugal had 75% possession, but could not break down the Congolese defense in the second half. ⚽🔥
Mukau also made it clear that he respects CR7 as one of the best ever to step onto a pitch. But he still said it. And he said it at 21 years old. Is he right, or is it too bold to question Ronaldo’s staying power in the middle of a World Cup?