Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in controversy as social media erupted with claims that the Portuguese star was sabotaged by his teammates. Following Portugal’s elimination, midfielder Bruno Fernandes became the focus of criticism, accused by some fans of deliberately not passing enough to Ronaldo. Fernandes had posted an emotional message expressing disappointment and gratitude, but later disabled comments after facing intense backlash online.

The debate intensified when Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, shared a post criticizing Fernandes’ performance, suggesting that Portugal’s midfielders failed to support Ronaldo adequately. Fans accused Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Pedro Neto of sidelining the 41-year-old forward during matches, particularly after a 1–1 draw against DR Congo. However, others defended the team, arguing that Ronaldo’s age and tight marking limited his effectiveness rather than teammate neglect.

Portugal exited the tournament after a 1–0 loss to Spain in the round of 16, marking Ronaldo’s last World Cup appearance. Following the defeat, coach Roberto Martínez resigned, and Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s former Al-Nassr coach, was named as his successor.

Portugal’s national football team coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 against Spain. The Spanish coach said he saw no reason to continue after failing to achieve the goal of winning the World Cup. Portugal lost 1–0 to Spain, and Martinez confirmed in the post-match press conference that it was his final game in charge, coinciding with the end of his contract.

Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, led the team for about three and a half years. Under his leadership, Portugal won the UEFA Nations League but fell short in both the European Championship and the World Cup. Expressing gratitude to supporters, Martinez said it was an honor to serve as national coach and hinted that the team now needed a “new voice.”

According to international media reports cited in the source, the Portuguese Football Federation will begin the process of appointing a new coach, with European outlets already speculating about possible successors.

Cristiano Ronaldo said Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory holds the same value to him as winning the World Cup, after his team was eliminated from the 2026 tournament. Portugal lost 1–0 to Spain in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, ending Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old forward had limited impact in the match, managing only one notable shot before Spain’s Mikel Merino sealed the result in stoppage time.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Ronaldo reflected on his international career, highlighting Portugal’s three major titles under his leadership: the 2016 Euro, the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. He said these achievements transformed the country’s football history and expressed satisfaction for giving his all to the national team.

Ronaldo did not confirm whether this was his final match for Portugal, saying he would not make emotional decisions and that his future in the national team was not the most important issue at the moment.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament. During an interview held amid the ongoing World Cup, Ronaldo said he was enjoying the event and its atmosphere but had already decided that this would be his last World Cup. His statement marks the beginning of the end for a career that has spanned more than two decades at the top level of world football.

Ronaldo first played in the World Cup in 2006 and has since represented Portugal in five consecutive editions. The 2026 tournament marks his sixth and final participation. Known for his humor, Ronaldo also shared a lighthearted story about meeting an Argentine flight attendant, joking about the football rivalry between their nations. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds numerous records for both club and country, including the highest number of international goals.

His announcement signals the closing of a golden era in world football and the conclusion of one of the sport’s most celebrated rivalries, leaving fans around the globe with a deep sense of nostalgia.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced widespread criticism after a lackluster performance in Portugal’s opening World Cup match against DR Congo. The Portuguese captain missed several easy chances and left the field without shaking hands with opponents, drawing ridicule from fans. However, former England striker Michael Owen and Portugal defender Ruben Dias have publicly backed Ronaldo amid the backlash.

In an article published in the Daily Mail, Owen expressed full support for Ronaldo, comparing the situation to Lionel Messi’s recent hat-trick. He stated that Ronaldo’s failure to score does not warrant criticism and predicted that the forward could silence critics with a hat-trick in the next match against Uzbekistan. Ruben Dias also dismissed any doubts within the Portugal camp, praising Ronaldo’s mental strength and confidence in his ability to bounce back.

Portugal’s next match against Uzbekistan will test whether Ronaldo can overcome the criticism and return to form, a moment eagerly awaited by football fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced heavy criticism after Portugal’s 1–1 draw with DR Congo in their opening World Cup match. Despite high expectations, the veteran forward struggled to make an impact, managing only 25 touches and three off-target shots. Calls emerged for him to be dropped from the starting lineup, but Ronaldo responded on social media with a clear message of support for his team. Portugal had taken an early lead through Joao Neves before Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo. Coach Roberto Martinez kept Ronaldo on the field for the full 90 minutes.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ronaldo admitted the team’s start was not ideal but expressed optimism about upcoming games, urging focus and confidence. Supporters viewed his message as an effort to lift team morale. Martinez defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on, emphasizing the importance of an experienced striker in crucial moments.

Portugal will next face Uzbekistan in the group stage before concluding against Colombia.

Portugal’s national football team has announced a special tribute to late forward Diogo Jota ahead of their opening World Cup match. The players, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo, will wear specially designed wristbands throughout the tournament to honor Jota, who died in a car accident last year in northwestern Spain. Midfielder Vitinha said the wristbands were gifted by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and include the names of all current squad members along with Jota’s name.

Vitinha explained that wearing the wristbands was not mandatory, but all players chose to do so out of love and respect for their former teammate. He emphasized that the team accepted the gesture wholeheartedly and decided to wear them during matches. Jota had scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal, and his absence continues to be felt by his teammates.

Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday. Vitinha added that while the team has strong potential, they do not consider themselves favorites and must remain humble and focused to succeed.

Portugal concluded their final World Cup preparation match with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Leiria on Wednesday night. All eyes were on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed two clear scoring opportunities, including one in the ninth minute. Despite his struggles, Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a precise shot from the left side of the box. Nigeria equalized in the 37th minute through Akor Adams, ending the first half 1-1.

Coach Roberto Martínez made several changes after the break, but Ronaldo again failed to convert a chance early in the second half and was substituted in the 65th minute. Substitute Francisco Conceição later sealed the win in the 75th minute with a curling shot from the right flank. The result marked Portugal’s second consecutive 2-1 win after defeating Chile earlier, boosting confidence ahead of the World Cup.

Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K, which also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has announced his provisional World Cup squad, including 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who is poised to make history as the first male footballer to appear in six World Cups. The announcement was made ahead of the 2026 tournament, with Martinez emphasizing Ronaldo’s continued importance to the team. The squad currently includes 27 players, meaning at least one will be dropped to meet FIFA’s 23–26 player limit.

Ronaldo will be joined by key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes, while forward Gonçalo Guedes has earned a surprise call-up. Defensive midfielder Samuel Costa, with only four international appearances, is also included. Notable omissions are Mateus Fernandes, António Silva, Paulinho, Pedro Gonçalves, and Ricardo Horta. Portugal has been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If Argentina’s Lionel Messi is also selected for his national team, he could share Ronaldo’s record of six World Cup appearances, pending Argentina’s final squad announcement.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sustained a hamstring injury that is more severe than initially expected, according to Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese star limped off during Al Nassr’s 3–1 Saudi Pro League win over Al Fayha last week. He has since left Saudi Arabia for Madrid to undergo treatment. The injury has raised concerns for both Al Nassr and the Portugal national team as the World Cup approaches.

Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that medical tests revealed the injury to be worse than first thought. He stated that Ronaldo would need both rest and treatment in Spain, similar to how other players manage such injuries. The 41-year-old forward’s return date remains unknown, leaving uncertainty about his readiness for upcoming competitions.

The development has caused worry among fans and officials, as Ronaldo was expected to play in his record sixth World Cup appearance later this year.

Left-wing candidate Antonio José Seguro has won Portugal’s presidential election by a wide margin, defeating far-right contender André Ventura. The country’s election commission announced on Sunday that Seguro, leader of the Socialist Party, secured 63 percent of the votes, while Ventura, head of the right-wing Chega party, received 34 percent. A total of 97 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in the runoff.

The runoff election was held on February 7 after the original vote scheduled for January 18 was disrupted by severe flooding in Portugal’s central and southern regions. Voting had taken place only in the northern areas on that date, where about 37,000 people—roughly 0.3 percent of the electorate—were able to cast ballots. The election commission later postponed the remaining voting and combined all ballots in the final count.

The inclusion of votes from both rounds confirmed Seguro’s decisive victory, marking a strong mandate for the Socialist Party following the weather-related delays.

At least five people have been killed as powerful storm Christine swept through central and northern Portugal, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and severe damage. The storm, which struck on Wednesday, left more than 850,000 people without electricity and forced the closure of schools and colleges. Civil Protection authorities reported wind speeds reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour and more than 3,000 incidents across the country.

According to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the Leiria district was the hardest hit, where three deaths occurred. One person was struck by a metal sheet, another was trapped under a collapsed house structure, and a third died when a tree fell on a car in Vila Franca de Xira. Another fatality was reported in Marinha Grande. The storm also severely disrupted transportation, blocking major highways and rail lines between Lisbon and northern regions.

The event follows a series of storms that have battered Portugal in recent days, including one over the weekend that caused flooding and claimed another life.

Portugal is holding its presidential election today, Saturday, January 18, amid deep political polarization that followed the 2025 parliamentary polls. Analysts describe the vote as a test of stability for the country, where 11 candidates are competing. Polls show that voters are most concerned about the national health system, immigration policy, and the worsening housing crisis. The new president is expected to play a moral and political role in shaping these policy debates.

Among the main contenders, Socialist Party-backed António José Seguro presents himself as a defender of democracy, the constitution, and public services. Center-right coalition candidate Luís Marques Mendes, a former PSD leader, represents traditional conservative politics and enjoys government and conservative backing. Independent candidate Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, known for leading the COVID-19 vaccination drive, positions himself above party divisions. Leftist candidate Catarina Martins emphasizes wages, pensions, and social protection, while far-right Chega leader André Ventura has gained support through anti-immigration and law-and-order rhetoric.

A joint TVI–CNN poll shows Mendes narrowly leading Seguro, with Ventura rising but still outside the top two. Analysts say the outcome will shape the balance between left and right forces and signal the future of far-right politics in Portugal.

Portugal is participating in Web Summit 2025 with 115 startups selected under the 'Road 2 Web Summit' program, which has already raised around €40 million in funding. The initiative aims to enhance international visibility and attract investment for local entrepreneurs. Startup Portugal, the national platform, supports startups through programs such as Startup Voucher and Startup Visa, helping new ventures and skilled talent thrive. According to project manager Carolina Valinho, Portugal is being celebrated as a European hub for entrepreneurship, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and expansion. Analyst Carolina Soja noted that Portugal serves as a central gateway to the European market, backed by accelerator programs and investment incentives. With seven unicorns, including Tekever recently joining the list, Portugal’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, positioning the country as a leading destination for digital entrepreneurs.

Bangladeshi expatriate Shah Alam Kajol has been re-elected as a member of the Bonfim Junta Freguesia Assembly in Porto, Portugal, securing his second consecutive term in the local elections held on October 12. Representing Portugal’s Socialist Party, Kajol won his seat despite his party’s overall loss at the municipal level. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the Bangladeshi community in Portugal for their unwavering support and promised to continue standing beside them. Beyond politics, Kajol plays a vital role as president of the Bangladesh Community of Porto, fostering cultural unity, promoting Bangladesh’s positive image, and supporting employment initiatives for expatriates. His contributions have made him a respected figure in both political and social spheres. Fellow expatriates across Portugal have celebrated his victory, calling him a source of inspiration for the Bangladeshi diaspora. Another Bangladeshi candidate, Masud Majumder, also contested independently in Lisbon but was unable to secure a win.