When Joao Neves calmly told reporters that Cristiano Ronaldo was "one of us" after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo, he triggered a firestorm that has threatened to tear Portugal's World Cup campaign apart. Fake quotes circulated, Ronaldo's family attacked Neves online, and a leading newspaper warned of a "civil war" inside the squad. The 41-year-old superstar, playing in his record-equalling sixth and final World Cup, has become a problem that Portugal cannot ignore.
Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo, with Neves scoring their only goal. Ronaldo failed to find the net, extending a remarkable drought: he has not scored in his past 10 appearances for Portugal at World Cups and European Championships, despite having 33 shots. After the match, Neves, a 22-year-old Paris St-Germain midfielder, was asked about Ronaldo's role. He replied: "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." That comment, intended as a show of unity, sparked a backlash that few anticipated.
“Explains the controversy around Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup and why it matters for UK fans.”
Ronaldo's fans flooded the social media accounts of Neves and other Portugal players, accusing them of disrespecting the captain. But the reaction went beyond anonymous accounts. Ronaldo's partner, Georgina Rodriguez, shared a fake quote attributed to Neves' girlfriend before deleting it. His sisters, Katia and Elma Aveiro, posted suggestions that Neves was trying to freeze Ronaldo 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 Ronaldo in business matters—cited a fake quote attributed to Zinedine Zidane in defence of the striker. Vitor Pinto of the Record newspaper said: "It highlights the risk of a civil war that could emerge within the national team."
This is not a new problem. Ronaldo has been the face of Portuguese football for two decades, but age and form are catching up. At 41, he remains a global icon, but his goal drought—10 games for his country without scoring—is a source of intense debate. Is he still an automatic starter? Should the team be built around him? Those questions have simmered for years and have now boiled over. The contrast with England's camp is instructive: Thomas Tuchel's side, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, are focused on results, not celebrity.
For UK readers, the Ronaldo controversy is familiar territory. His six years at Manchester United made him a household name, and his return to Old Trafford in 2021 ended in acrimony. The debate about whether he helps or hurts a team—and the extraordinary loyalty he commands from fans—mirrors discussions that have long divided British football followers. The result of Portugal's match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday (18:00 BST) will be watched closely; a win could calm tensions, but another poor performance risks an implosion.
Q: Why are Ronaldo's teammates being attacked on social media? Joao Neves said Ronaldo is "one of us" and "one more player trying to help", which some fans misinterpreted as a lack of respect. Ronaldo's family and associates then amplified fake quotes to imply a conspiracy against the captain, leading to a flood of abuse aimed at Neves and others.
Q: How is Ronaldo performing at the 2026 World Cup? He has not scored in 10 consecutive World Cup and European Championship appearances for Portugal, despite 33 shots in that run. In their group opener against DR Congo, he was substituted after a sub-par performance that drew criticism.
Q: Could Ronaldo be dropped from the Portugal team? Manager Roberto Martinez has not indicated any change, but the pressure is mounting. The team's need for goals and unity may force a difficult decision if Ronaldo's form does not improve. However, his status as a legend makes any benching a major risk.
What happens next will define Portugal's World Cup. They face Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston, with fans and media watching every pass. A convincing win with Ronaldo involved could silence the noise. Another stalemate—or a start on the bench—might push the squad into a crisis that no amount of social media defence can fix.