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Cristiano Ronaldo Makes First Post After Controversial Red Card

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 8:24 AM ET

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be playing Portugal's last World Cup qualifier match today against Armenia. Ronaldo has played in all of the World Cup qualifier matches for Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In Portugal's previous match, they suffered their first loss in this World Cup qualifier to Ireland. Portugal lost 2-0 to Ireland at Aviva Stadium a couple of days ago, and Ronaldo received a red card.

Ronaldo was seen elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea. Initially, the Portuguese striker was given a yellow card, but VAR took a look at the play and saw Ronaldo's elbow being too violent, which led to him receiving a straight red.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts after fouling Dara O'Shea of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

This red card rules him out for the game against Armenia, and he had yet to comment after the incident until today, just hours before the Portugal vs Armenia match.

Ronaldo took to his social media pages to leave a message for the Portuguese national team players, who know that a win against Armenia will qualify them for the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo's social media post

On his Instagram and X account, Cristiano Ronaldo's first words after the red card against Ireland were motivational words of encouragement for his teammates.

Ronaldo wrote, "Come on, team! All together today and always! For Portugal and for our flag!"

Força equipa! Todos juntos hoje e sempre! Por Portugal e pela nossa bandeira! pic.twitter.com/DKQk7pUGCR
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 16, 2025

In the World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Portugal has not played a game without Cristiano Ronaldo. The last time Portugal played without Ronaldo was in 2024 in the UEFA Nations League Group stage match against Croatia, where the match finished 1-1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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