'Cristiano is just another player': 21-year-old João Neves sparks outrage with Ronaldo remark after Portugal’s World Cup slip-up
The PSG star has drawn heavy criticism for his post-match comments after Portugal were stunned by DR Congo.
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Neves during the game against DR Congo | IMAGO
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo| Imago
Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t carry this country on his head for 20+ yrs for a player like Joao Neves(a 21yrs old) saying the greatest player your country will ever see and the GOAT is just like “everyone in the squad”
I miss when Pepe and the likes of Quaresma were in the team!!!…
— BIG AYO🔰 (@47kasz) June 19, 2026
Let’s all put agenda aside for one minute, that statement from Joao Neves is the most disrespectful thing I’ve seen this week.
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) June 19, 2026
The choice of words he used was disrespectful that’s the problem. He could’ve ONLY said, Cristiano needed to make the run in the box or dummy the ball so Bruno can have a clear chance.
All those, “the country needed a goal not you” was lame and too direct for a player that has… https://t.co/HWbYuI4Rx9
— AMG ☝🏾🤍 (@AMGistelrooy10) June 18, 2026
That statement from Joao Neves is not just disrespectful. It’s Brainless! Very ridiculous! Who’s your father to come out and say Ronaldo needs to do this and that?. Are you the coach?. Very Unwise boy! Nonsense!
What he said is no coincidence. He’s saying what some of the…
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) June 19, 2026
Very disrespectful something to say to someone who carried Portugal in his back and put them on the global map. Winning there first European trophy pic.twitter.com/OlxqwQMGzD
— Diamond (@Diamond_cfc) June 19, 2026
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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez | IMAGO