How do you solve a problem like Ronaldo?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in his past 10 World Cup and European Championship appearances, despite having 33 shotsByMarcus AlvesBBC SportPublished23 minutes agoFake quotes on social media. Unprecedented post-match interviews. Rumour mill in overdrive.Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth and final World Cup was always going to grab headlines, though perhaps not as early in the tournament as we have seen and for the reasons listed above.It all started 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 and the Portugal camp was thrown into chaos.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Joao Neves (left) scored Portugal’s only goal in their game against DR CongoNeves is no stranger to facing the media in difficult circumstances.In March 2024, Benfica had just been humiliated 5-0 by rivals Porto. Despite having lost his mother only a few days before, it fell to the then 19-year-old, in his first senior season as a regular starter, to explain the result at the final whistle.When compared with that night at the Dragao stadium, last week’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Portugal’s World Cup opener felt understandably insignificant, as frustrating as it was.
And yet Neves’ words in that post-match interview threw the country into crisis before the Uzbekistan game on Tuesday (18:00 BST).
The Paris St-Germain midfielder had been asked about Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal squad.
“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’s here to contribute like we all will,” Neves reported.
What followed was a backlash that 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,” reported Anibal Pinto of the Record newspaper.
