DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has offered a diplomatic take on the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo etching his name deeper into World Cup folklore, admitting he would love to see the Portuguese superstar achieve a historic sixth World Cup goal-scoring appearance—just not against his own side.
Speaking on the eve of his team’s crucial Group H clash against Portugal at the Khalifa International Stadium, Desabre was pressed on whether he would be proud to witness his players sharing the pitch on the night Ronaldo could become the first male footballer to score in six different World Cup editions.
“I wish him to score during this World Cup,” the French-born tactician said with a wry smile. “But I do not wish him to score. That’s all.”
The carefully chosen words capture the conflict every coach faces when standing between a global icon and history. Ronaldo, who has already found the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments, needs just one goal in Qatar to extend his own record—and to cement a legacy that even his fiercest rivals admire.
For Desabre, however, that admiration stops at the touchline.
“Cristiano is one of the greatest to have ever played the game. His longevity, his dedication, his hunger—these are things every young footballer should study,” Desabre added. “But my job is to protect my team, my country’s pride. If he scores against us, I will not applaud. I will be angry, because that means we have not done our job.”
The DR Congo coach, who guided the Leopards through a gruelling qualifying campaign, stressed that his players are not intimidated by the occasion. “We are not here to be spectators. We are here to compete. Portugal are favourites, but favourites do not always win. That is the beauty of football.”
Desabre also took time to acknowledge the broader significance of Ronaldo’s potential milestone, noting that it transcends club rivalries and national allegiances.
“When you love football, you respect history. And Cristiano is history in the making. If he scores in another match—against Uruguay or South Korea—I will be among the first to congratulate him. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, he is the enemy. I hope he has a quiet evening.”
The match kicks off at 7 p.m. local time, with DR Congo needing a positive result to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. Portugal, already through to the last 16, may rest some key players, but Desabre is taking nothing for granted.
“Even a rested Ronaldo is dangerous. We have a plan, we have respect, but we have no fear. If he scores, let it be a beautiful goal—but let it be his last of the tournament.”
The quote, at once gracious and defiant, sums up the fine line every underdog coach walks between revering greatness and trying to slay it.
