Portugal star targeted by a ‘wave of hatred’ after Cristiano Ronaldo comments

Updated: 22 Jun 2026 10:50 BST | 4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, World Cup 2026 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Portugal star Francisco Conceicao has found himself the target of what has been described as a ‘wave of hatred’ after comments he made regarding team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Roberto Martinez’s side have made a difficult start to the World Cup, having drawn their opening match 1-1 against DR Congo.

Ronaldo’s performance in that encounter made headlines as he struggled to make an impact on the game, notably spurning Portugal’s best chances when he fired past the post. Indeed, he seemed to take the ball from Bruno Fernandes from a Conceicao pass, leading to criticism of his overall display from some quarters.

Current ETV

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

ETV Range

€9.4M - €11.5M

The performances of the Al-Nassr striker have become a major source of sensitivity, with Joao Neves subject to a social media storm after he claimed that the 41-year-old striker is “just another player”.

What did Conceicao say about Ronaldo?

Now Juventus’ Conceicao has received similar treatment after an apparently innocuous statement he made prior to Portugal’s clash with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

“Cristiano has the quality to score goals, there's no one like him in that respect, and we don't have that obligation, that need to pass him the ball,” Conceicao said.

“For example, speaking for myself, I pass the ball to whoever is best positioned. It's not like I have time to think about the face of the team-mate next to me, we do it by instinct, it's milliseconds, there's no time for that, and Cristiano is here to help like any other team-mate on the national team.”

Ronaldo fans appear to have taken exception to these comments, with A Bola reporting that the 23-year-old has receive a torrent of criticism on his social channels. It claims that Conceicao’s accounts have been “flooded” by supporters of the Manchester United and Real Madrid great.

“Respect Cristiano”, “You have the obligation to pass the ball to Ronaldo” and “You have one of the greatest players in history in your team”, are just some of the comments that have been aimed towards the promising winger.

French outlet FootMercato described what Conceicao suffered as a “wave of hatred”.

Ongoing Ronaldo controversy

The Ronaldo issue appears to have driven a wedge down the middle of the Portugal camp, with the younger players in the squad insisting that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner should be treated no differently to anyone else.

Manager Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, has been adamant that the veteran should not be dropped under any circumstances, even refusing to take him off when struggling against DR Congo and instead replacing Vitinha.

The controversy surrounding Martinez and Ronaldo’s has only grown following rumours that the Spaniard will take over as Al-Nassr coach following the World Cup. The Saudi Pro League club are, of course, part-owned by the striker, who will have a say in the identity of their next coach.

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