Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned off replies on his social media platforms this week after enduring a barrage of online harassment from Cristiano Ronaldo supporters, who claimed he and several teammates were sabotaging the veteran striker during Portugal’s disappointing World Cup elimination.
Portugal was knocked out in the Round of 16 by Spain, losing 1-0 after Mikel Merino netted a stoppage-time winner. The outcome signaled the conclusion of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey, as the 41-year-old had already confirmed this tournament would be his final one, and it also led head coach Roberto Martinez to resign.
“I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup, and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue,” Martinez said after the defeat, while also commending Ronaldo in the process. “My contract ends today.”
- Two US Soccer officials suspended by FIFA after controversial Folarin Balogun incident
- Egypt coach Hossam Hassan booked after making anti-racism gesture in World Cup defeat to Argentina
He has since been succeeded by Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s former manager at Al-Nassr. After Portugal’s elimination, Fernandes shared a sincere message reflecting on the tournament. “Sad, frustrated, and disillusioned,” he wrote. “This group of players made my expectations high, not only for the quality, but also for the fact of the incredible group that we built over these years.
“Thank you to all the players, technical team, and all the staff who accompanied and helped us every day during the World Cup. To all the Portuguese, a huge thank you for your support and belief.”
The message, however, did little to protect Fernandes from backlash. He, along with teammates Vitinha, Joao Neves and Pedro Neto, faced accusations of undermining Ronaldo following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo earlier in the group stage.
The allegations gained additional momentum when Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, liked an Instagram post accusing Fernandes of failing to deliver in a Portugal shirt, drawing an unfavorable comparison to Brazilian winger Raphinha.
The post read in part: “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.”
Following his post after Portugal’s elimination, Fernandes was once again flooded with negative comments on X, ultimately prompting him to disable the platform’s reply function. Some supporters, however, came to the defense of Fernandes and the rest of the midfield, contending that Ronaldo’s diminishing mobility, rather than insufficient service, was the root cause of the issues.
Ronaldo told reporters he had no regrets about how his final World Cup ended. “I gave it my all, I gave my best. And I leave with a clear conscience,” he said. “It was my last World Cup, yes, but the rest… I have time to think, be with my family, not make decisions in the heat of the moment and move on with life.”
The question of whether Ronaldo will continue his international career in any capacity remains unanswered, with newly appointed coach Jesus stating this week that he would be open to calling him up going forward, describing the striker as “a symbol of Portuguese football” who “will never be a problem” for the national team.
About the Author
