Cristiano Ronaldo has once again found himself at the center of attention after missing a crucial penalty during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. However, in a show of respect and loyalty, fans, teammates, and football analysts in Portugal have largely spared the 40-year-old legend from criticism, acknowledging his immense contribution to the national team over the years. Despite the missed opportunity, Portugal still managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, keeping their perfect qualifying record intact.
The tense encounter saw Ronaldo step up to take a penalty in the 75th minute after Diogo Jota was brought down inside the box. To the surprise of many, his effort was saved by Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who guessed the right direction and kept Ireland in the game. The miss briefly silenced the home crowd as Ronaldo looked visibly frustrated, knowing how significant the goal could have been for his personal record. However, Portugal’s determination paid off when Ruben Neves scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner, ensuring Roberto Martinez’s side claimed all three points and maintained their dominance in Group A.
Ronaldo defended despite miss
The missed penalty denied Cristiano Ronaldo a golden opportunity to stand alone as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history. He currently remains tied on 39 goals with Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz, a record that Ronaldo has been chasing throughout the qualification campaign. Despite this setback, the Portuguese captain continued to lead by example, completing the full 90 minutes and remaining heavily involved in Portugal’s attacking play.
Throughout the match, Ronaldo showed his usual drive and commitment, creating several chances and constantly motivating his teammates. Although the penalty miss was a disappointing moment for him personally, his overall performance and leadership on the pitch were praised by both fans and pundits. Many pointed out that even at 40 years of age, his passion for representing his country remains as strong as ever.
After the final whistle, Portugal midfielder Renato Veiga came to Ronaldo’s defense, insisting that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner deserves only respect and gratitude from fans and teammates alike. “Cristiano doesn’t have to apologise for anything. For everything he’s done for Portugal and for what he still does, he deserves only respect,” Veiga told reporters in the post-match press conference. His remarks reflected the overall sentiment within the Portuguese camp — one of unwavering admiration for Ronaldo’s legacy and continued impact on the team.
Veiga’s comments quickly went viral on social media, with many fans echoing his sentiments. Supporters praised Ronaldo for his consistency and dedication over two decades of service to the national team, emphasizing that even legends have off days. Others noted that his missed penalty should not overshadow his countless contributions, including leading Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title in 2016 and the Nations League trophy in 2019.
Portugal maintain perfect start
With the narrow victory, Portugal continued their flawless start to the World Cup qualification campaign, securing three wins out of three matches. Under coach Roberto Martinez, the team has been in exceptional form, blending experienced veterans like Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva with a new generation of rising stars such as João Neves and Gonçalo Inácio. The squad’s balance and unity have made them one of the favorites to qualify early for the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Portugal currently sit comfortably at the top of Group A, boasting a strong goal difference and a solid defensive record, having yet to concede in the qualifiers. Martinez praised his team’s resilience after the game, highlighting how they stayed composed even after Ronaldo’s penalty miss and kept pushing until the final minute. “This team knows how to fight, and Cristiano continues to inspire that mentality,” Martinez told reporters.
Looking ahead, Portugal are set to face Hungary next at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Tuesday. Ronaldo is expected to start once again as the Selecão aim to extend their perfect start to four consecutive wins. Fans are eager to see if their captain can bounce back from his missed opportunity and finally break the all-time World Cup qualifying goal record. Whether he scores or not, one thing remains certain — Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence and leadership continue to define Portuguese football’s golden era.
For now, Ronaldo remains focused on the team’s long-term goal — securing early qualification and building momentum for what could be his final World Cup appearance in 2026. Despite the missed penalty, the football icon continues to be celebrated at home and abroad as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, both for his achievements and for his undying commitment to Portugal’s success.