Cristiano Ronaldo Wants Ireland Fans To Boo Him: 'I Certainly Hope They Do...'

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 08:48 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming to participate in his sixth World Cup next summer. Portugal currently leads qualifying Group F by five points with two matches remaining.

Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to the media ahead of Portugal's world cup qualifier vs Ireland. (AP Photo)

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire for Ireland fans to boo him during Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Dublin. With a victory, Portugal will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals, and Ronaldo believes that if the crowd focuses on him, it could relieve pressure from his teammates.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is aiming to participate in his sixth World Cup next summer. Portugal currently leads qualifying Group F by five points with two matches remaining.

“The stadium will boo me; I’m used to it. I certainly hope they do—maybe it will take the pressure off other players," Ronaldo stated at a news conference on Wednesday.

Ronaldo anticipates a “difficult" match, with Ireland likely to sit back and limit the space available to him and his teammates. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was also asked about the prospect of scoring his 1000th career goal in the World Cup final.

“You’ve been watching too many movies; that would be too perfect," laughed Ronaldo, 40.

“Getting back to reality, all this data makes me happy. A national team never depends on one player, but I like making a difference with goals. It’s always good to score goals; that’s my position. I want to play in this next World Cup; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. But let’s take it step by step."

Currently playing for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 953 goals in his career. The striker is the leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals and believes the 2026 World Cup will be his last, expecting to retire from football within a couple of years.

However, on Wednesday, Ronaldo emphasised focusing on the team’s objective of qualifying rather than discussing his future in the game.

“There’s no point in being repetitive and losing focus," he added. “Maybe later on, I’ll give more interviews and speak more clearly about my future plans. But right now, Portugal has another opportunity to be in the finals."

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

News sports Cristiano Ronaldo Wants Ireland Fans To Boo Him: 'I Certainly Hope They Do...'

Read More