"40 year old still doing this s**t", "Just retire" - Fans rip into Cristiano Ronaldo as he gets sent off for Portugal in WC qualifier against Ireland

Fans on social media are furious with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after he got sent off against Ireland in the FIFA World Cup qualifier. They believe that the 40-year-old should have kept his composure and not let the pressure get to him.

Portugal were 2-0 down to Ireland at the hour mark when Ronaldo elbowed defender Dara O'Shea inside the box. The forward was irritated with the Ipswich Town star constantly being on his toes and reacted.

Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card, but the referee upgraded it to a red card after VAR sent him to the monitor to review the incident. The Portugal captain was not happy with the decision as he left the pitch at the Aviva Stadium, as his exit was cheered by the Ireland fans.

Fans online were also mocking Ronaldo for his red card, saying that it was time for the Portugal captain to call it a day as he was unable to handle the pressure. Many posted:

The red card was Cristiano Ronaldo's first with Portugal in his 225th appearance. It was his 13th red card in his senior career, and his first in 2025 after getting sent off for Al-Nassr against Al-Hilal last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo admits 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media ahead of the Ireland, and he was quizzed about whether the Portugal superstar had plans to play in the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He revealed that the 2026 edition would be his last as he was close to retirement and said (via BBC):

"Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition. Let's be honest, when I mean soon, it's probably one or two years I'll still be at the game."

Former Portugal coach Hugo Oliveira told Ojogo this year that he sees Ronaldo going all-out for the World Cup next year, and said:

"[Ronaldo] is still hungry. He's hungry. He was a young lad [in 2010] and now he's the same. That mentality can be contagious in the Portuguese national team. Perhaps his last World Cup could be an incredible way for him to finish his international games for Portugal. I think we have a generation that has to fight for the competition. We are one of the top five teams that will fight to win the competition."

Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, after extending his deal earlier this year.

Edited by Sripad