Al Nassr and World Football Star Cristiano Ronaldo received his first-ever red card in international football on Thursday, November 13 marking a disastrous night for Portugal in Dublin.
The 40-year-old was sent off in the 61st minute of the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, which Portugal ultimately lost 2-0 his first red card in 226 international games.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal came into the game with high hopes needing just a point to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States after a Dominic Szoboszlai late goal cancelled out Ronaldo’s double and delayed the Nation’s qualification last month but it was Troy Parrot’s night as the Irish Forward who plies his trade in Dutch Eredivisie with AZ scored twice in the 17th and 45th minute of the game to give the Republic of Ireland hopes of qualification.
Things got worse for Portugal who were seeking goals to cancel out Parrot’s strikes and seal a World Cup when Ronaldo elbowed Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, in the 61st minute of the game, initially receiving a yellow card before it was upgraded to red following a VAR review. The Portugal captain sarcastically applauded the home crowd as he left the pitch, drawing jeers from the Irish fans.
The red card now puts Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy, as he faces a potential one-to-three match ban.
Portugal will now need to beat Armenia on Sunday November 16 without Ronaldo to qualify for the 2026 summer World Cup. They are currently on 10 points from 5 games, 2 more ahead of second place Hungary who also would be taking on Republic of Ireland same Sunday. Ireland are third on the table with 7 points and will be hoping to upset the Hungarians.
