Djorkaeff accuses: 'He was boycotted by his own team' — and points the finger at Ronaldo's World Cup teammates
Former French international Youri Djorkaeff accused Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates of boycotting him during the 2026 World Cup, in which Portugal fell in the round of 16.
Youri Djorkaeff didn't hold back. The former French international and 1998 World Cup winner came out publicly in defence of Cristiano Ronaldo and pulled no punches: in his view, Portugal failed to do its part by its captain at the 2026 World Cup.
"If you bring Cristiano Ronaldo, the team has to play for Cristiano Ronaldo," Djorkaeff fired at RMC. And he went further: "You can tell he was boycotted by his own team. They didn't give him assists, they didn't put him in the best conditions."
The words land at a delicate moment for the national side. Portugal were knocked out in the round of 16, eliminated by Spain — a result well below expectations. Ronaldo, at 41, scored three goals in the tournament but ended up as one of the most criticised players for his performances. The captain himself declared that this was the last World Cup of his career.
The paradox is a cruel one: CR7 found the net, yet left the tournament as the accused. Djorkaeff flips that logic on its head — and places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of those who should have served the greatest name in Portuguese football history.
The 2026 World Cup ended bitterly for Portugal. The question that remains is simple and uncomfortable: without Ronaldo, who carries this team now?