Ronaldo's Sister Says Portugal Players 'Forgot How To Pass', As Fans Abuse Bruno, Neves

Last Updated:June 19, 2026, 17:57 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammates have faced online abuse after the 1-1 draw with DR Congo, with sister Katia Aveiro’s cryptic post adding fuel to 'sabbotage' claims.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammates are facing intense social media abuse following the side’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup, with the legend’s over-zealous fans suggesting the 41-year-old was deliberately sidelined during the match.

The star-studded Portugal lineup struggled to break down a Congo side ranked significantly below them in the FIFA standings. Ronaldo, standing at Centre-Forward, became the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup match, but struggled to have a say on the game.

In his now-typical relaxed style of play, where he hardly pressed or defended, Ronaldo got only 25 touches of the ball, his lowest in a major tournament game after playing 90 minutes. The result triggered a fierce debate in Portugal, with criticism directed not only at manager Roberto Martinez but also at several players accused of supposedly failing to involve the veteran captain in attacking moves.

Among the most vocal critics was Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, who appeared to question Portugal’s approach during the game. In a cryptic social media post, she seemed to suggest that the team had forgotten how to play forward, claiming the match became dominated by safe passes.

“Magically, they forgot how to: pass the ball; win it back; launch counter-attacks. The game became all about passing backwards in midfield… strange World Cup. Very strange."

Several Portugal players, including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Pedro Neto, subsequently found their social media accounts flooded with hostile messages from Ronaldo supporters. Neves, in particular, faced backlash after insisting that Ronaldo should be viewed as ‘just another player’ within the squad, with an aim to take the team to World Cup glory, despite his legendary status.

Reports in Portuguese media have warned of a ‘civil war’ in the dressing room if the patterns of abuse against some players continue, while denying any ‘ploy’ of denying Ronaldo the ball.

Ronaldo, in what is now typical of him, played like a traditional centre-forward, with negligible pressing, non-existent defensive contributions, and few off-ball rotations. A section of Portuguese fans felt that his limited overall contribution went against the team’s style and denied them any sense of cohesion.

The criticism has not been limited to supporters. Former France striker Thierry Henry questioned Ronaldo’s decision-making during key attacking moments, arguing that he prioritised his own scoring opportunities over the team’s needs.

News sports football Ronaldo's Sister Portugal Players 'Forgot How To Pass', As Fans Abuse Bruno, Neves

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