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Cristiano Ronaldo received his first Portugal red card at age 40 in a 2-0 loss to Republic of Ireland. Portugal are reportedly fighting to reduce his World Cup ban.
Cristiano Ronaldo received hs first-ever red card for Portugal (X)
Portugal are gearing up for a fight after Cristiano Ronaldo picked up his first-ever international red card, at age 40, in Thursday’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.
Ronaldo was initially booked for allegedly elbowing defender Dara O’Shea, but VAR upgraded it to a straight red, ending a run of 226 caps without a sending-off for his country.
Now, the fallout begins.
Portugal push to avoid World Cup ban
Ronaldo is facing a potential two-match suspension for violent conduct, which would rule him out of Sunday’s qualifier vs Armenia and Portugal’s first match at the 2026 World Cup (assuming automatic qualification).
BBC’s Dale Johnson summed it up bluntly: “Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal’s first game of the World Cup… he should get a two-game ban.”
But Portugal aren’t accepting that without a fight.
According to To Ballthe Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) will submit a formal case arguing for the minimum penalty — just a one-match ban.
FPF president Pedro Proença is reportedly personally involved as they try to spare Ronaldo from missing a World Cup game.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee will make the final call after the qualifiers wrap up at the end of November or early December.
Roberto Martinez: “It would be unfair”
Portugal boss Roberto Martínez called for leniency, insisting the elbow wasn’t violent.
“I saw his reaction to a provocation… It’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction. It would be very unfair to impose a long suspension.”
Ronaldo’s red-card record across clubs
While this was his first with Portugal, Ronaldo isn’t new to early showers:
- Manchester United: 4 reds (two vs Man City)
- Real Madrid: 6 reds (including finals in 2013 Copa del Rey & 2017 Super Cup)
- Juventus: 1 (vs. Valencia, 2018)
- Al Nassr: 1 (vs Al Hilal, Super Cup)
Now the only question is whether his first Portugal red will cost him a World Cup appearance.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
November 16, 2025, 7:14 PM IST
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