Will ‘one in 60’ Cristiano Ronaldo be taken off free-kick duty? Portugal boss Roberto Martinez addresses Bruno Fernandes dilemma ahead of Euro 2024 quarter-final with France

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner attracted criticism during a Euro 2024 last-16 outing against Slovenia as he continued to stand over set-pieces despite failing to trouble the target with most of his efforts. The all-time great almost missed an extra-time penalty that left him in tears.

Ronaldo is, however, one of the best to ever do it and remains a talismanic figure as captain of his country. He will be given the opportunity to discuss free-kick plans with the likes of former Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes whenever a dead-ball situation presents itself.

Quizzed on whether Ronaldo will be asked to step aside during a quarter-final clash with France, Martinez told reporters: “The players practice in training. Cristiano and Bruno Fernandes are the two players who have the responsibility. Sometimes it just depends on the profile, or the position, or the moment, but we are lucky to have two players of such a level.”

Former England international Gary Lineker is among those to have suggested that Ronaldo should be stood down, telling the Rest Is Football podcast: “Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo. So while he’s [Ronaldo] a massive strength, he can also be a weakness as well.”

Portugal are set to lock horns with France on Friday, with both sides of the opinion that they have enough talent at their disposal to go all the way in Germany. Ronaldo is likely to be handed a starting berth once again, despite the evergreen frontman now being 39 years of age.