Cristiano Ronaldo's sisters have voiced strong opinions following Portugal's unexpected 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup qualifying opener.
Elma Aveiro, one of Ronaldo's sisters, publicly stated that Portugal's victory felt "stolen" from them. She also extended her criticism to those who easily judge the team from the outside. Elma emphasized the immense pressure the players endure on the pitch, suggesting that external criticism often fails to acknowledge the realities of high-stakes competition and the mental toll it takes.
Her sister, Katia Aveiro, took a slightly different approach, focusing her critique on what she perceived as a collective tactical issue within the squad. Katia questioned the team's overall cohesion and the fluidity of their passing game, implying that the draw was a result of broader team deficiencies rather than individual errors.
This internal defense comes amidst external criticism from football legend Thierry Henry. Henry pointedly criticized Ronaldo's on-field positioning, describing it as "selfish." He argued that Ronaldo's individualistic approach negatively impacted the team's offensive dynamics, potentially limiting opportunities for teammates like Bruno Fernandes and disrupting the team's overall attacking rhythm.
Ronaldo's personal performance has also come under intense scrutiny. The draw marked a statistical low for the Portuguese star, as he recorded his lowest-ever touch count in a major tournament match. This performance also extends a concerning 10-game scoreless streak for him across World Cups and European Championships.
The disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign puts Portugal in a challenging position. They are now tasked with regrouping and finding their form ahead of crucial upcoming group matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
The team will need to address both the internal and external criticisms to ensure a strong performance in the remainder of their qualifying journey and avoid further setbacks.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Portugal responds to this early stumble and whether they can recapture the form expected of a team with such high-caliber talent.
