Cristiano Ronaldo has attracted some criticism over his reported behavior following Portugal’s 1-1 draw with the Republic of Congo on Wednesday.
This World Cup is likely the last Ronaldo and nemesis Lionel Messi will ever play in. Messi added the elusive title to his CV in 2022, but time is running out for CR, and he is well aware.
His prospects took a hit in his country’s opener this week.
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Portugal got off to a hot start, with Joao Neves scoring in the sixth minute. However, they were not able to seal what would have been a crucial win.
Yoane Wissa scored to level things up right before halftime, and Congo managed to hold on for a draw.
Ronaldo cut a disappointed figure after the result, which is understandable. But he has since been accused of trying to shirk the opposition.
“Cristiano tried to avoid shaking hands with the Congolese players, but they insisted on doing so,” an account claimed on X.
“Narcissism is a hell of a thing. He’s more pissed that he didn’t score than Portugal winning,” someone claimed in the comments.
Narcissism is a hell of a thing.
He’s more pissed that he didn’t score than Portugal winning.
— Steve π (@probablynottah) June 18, 2026
“And you call this GOAT 🐐 🤔🤔🤔💔,” another user chimed in.
And you call this GOAT 🐐 🤔🤔🤔💔
— Ralph (@Obazy_7) June 18, 2026
“They literally didn’t win and he is obviously grieving about it, yet you’re talking about “avoiding shaking hands” as if you expect him to start smiling and jumping for joy over a draw,” someone else argued.
They literally didn’t win and he is obviously grieving about it, yet you’re talking about “avoiding shaking hands” as if you expect him to start smiling and jumping for joy over a draw.
You think being happy and shaking hands with opponents after a draw is how he ended up with 5…
— SCOREpion 🦂⚽🔥 (@Hakeem_Onitolo) June 18, 2026
“They always try to manufacture drama because his name brings the views. Stay strong goat 🐐🇵🇹 He will come back stronger next match fr🔥,” added another.
They always try to manufacture drama because his name brings the views. Stay strong goat 🐐🇵🇹 He will come back stronger next match fr🔥 pic.twitter.com/hG6nK5keoh
— Internet Gold ✨ (@InternetGoldX) June 18, 2026
“It’s stop lying,” one user wrote, sharing photos.
It’s stop lying pic.twitter.com/9O8tyg7V4V
— MYST (@MystMadeit) June 18, 2026
The 2026 World Cup is the first one DR Congo has been to in 52 years. They’ve become the second African country to make such an impressive start, with Cape Verde also drawing 0-0 with Spain on Monday.
“It’s crazy,” Wissa said after the game. “Fifty-two years later we are here, we are back. It’s been long, it’s been difficult. So scoring that goal, it means a lot for all Congolese, for me, for my family, for the fans who showed up today.”
Portugal, now third in Group K, will play Uzbekistan next Tuesday before facing Colombia in their third group stage outing.
