Fake quotes, unprecedented post-match interviews and a rumour mill in overdrive – Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth and final World Cup was always going to grab headlines, but not quite like this.
The turmoil began with a sub-par performance from the 41-year-old in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. Then a regular post-match interview from Joao Neves was blown out of proportion, throwing the Portugal camp into chaos.
“Ronaldo's Portugal face Uzbekistan amid social media backlash over fake quotes and risk of civil war.”
Neves, the Paris St-Germain midfielder, had been asked about Ronaldo’s role. “We know what Ronaldo has done for our national team, but at this moment I feel that for him, and for everyone, he’s one of us. He’s one more player trying to help, he’s no different to the others,” he said.
What followed was a backlash few could have anticipated. Ronaldo fans flooded the social media accounts of Neves, Bruno Fernandes and others, accusing them of not respecting the Portugal captain. Even by Ronaldo’s standards as a global superstar, the reaction felt unprecedented.
“It highlights the risk of a civil war that could emerge within the national team,” said Vitor Pinto of the Record newspaper.
The situation escalated when members of Ronaldo’s inner circle joined in. His partner, Georgina Rodriguez, reacted to a fake quote attributed to Neves’ girlfriend before later deleting her comment. His sisters Katia and Elma Aveiro shared posts suggesting an attempt to freeze him out of the team. On CMTV – Portugal’s most-watched TV channel, in which Ronaldo is a shareholder – pundit and lawyer Luis Miguel Henrique, who has represented the striker in business matters, cited a fake quote attributed to Zinedine Zidane in defence of him.
Ronaldo has failed to score in his past 10 World Cup and European Championship appearances, despite having 33 shots. As Portugal prepared to face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, the 41-year-old started the match, aiming to spark his campaign into life. England, meanwhile, faced Ghana in Boston, with Thomas Tuchel’s side well poised to seal a knockout spot after a 4-2 victory against Croatia in Dallas.
For Portugal, the question remains: can the team overcome the civil war threatening to tear it apart?