Marco Bello-Reuters via Imagn Images

Cristiano Ronaldo Apologizes for Joao Cancelo’s Actions in Portugal vs. Hungary

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 4:17 PM ET

Portugal played Hungary in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, September 9, and Cristiano Ronaldo had to apologize to Hungarian fans after João Cancelo celebrated his goal by provoking the crowd.

It was Cancelo’s first call-up since December 2024 under coach Roberto Martínez, after some locker-room issues with Cristiano and others, plus poor performances at Bayern Munich and Al-Hilal.

Back with the national team and used in different roles—right back, left back, and even winger—Cancelo scored the winning goal and ran straight toward the Hungary fans to celebrate.

Many saw it as provocation, and Cancelo didn’t hold back even as fans threw cups at him and his teammates. The incident eventually led Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva to step in and apologize to the crowd.

Joao Cancelo for some reason was cupping his ears at the Hungarian crowd, captain Ronaldo had to apologise to the crowd and pull him back.

That’s a captain right there! pic.twitter.com/mOlxglmMRs
— A (@lconicCristiano) September 10, 2025

João Cancelo Permanently Back With Portugal?

João Cancelo had one of the best seasons of his career at Manchester City in 2022, when he became a leader on the field and made several big plays to help City win important matches.

But after his relationship with Pep Guardiola soured, Cancelo started to lose his place and was eventually loaned to Bayern Munich. There, he performed well again and became the starting right back. Once the loan ended, he returned to City, but Guardiola had no plans for him. That’s when Al Hilal stepped in to sign the 31-year-old.

His performances at the Club World Cup with Al Hilal put him back in the spotlight. With several Portuguese players already in the squad, Portugal’s manager decided to call Cancelo back to the national team to replace Diogo Dalot at right back. However, he was later shifted to left back so João Neves could take the right side, with Rúben Dias pushed into midfield.