Neves Defends Ronaldo's Role After Portugal's World Cup Draw

Portugal midfielder Joao Neves has defended captain Cristiano Ronaldo's place in the team after a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Neves, who scored Portugal's only goal, faced scrutiny for his comments about the veteran forward amid growing criticism of Ronaldo's performance.

Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Neves acknowledged Ronaldo's exceptional contributions to the national team over many years. He emphasized that all players in the squad are treated equally and contribute in the same manner, regardless of their status. "We know well what Cristiano Ronaldo has given to the Portuguese national team over many years, and the extraordinary achievements he has made in the national team shirt," Neves said.

Neves added that within the squad, Ronaldo is seen as any other player. "At the moment, we all feel he is a player within the group like any other player, and he contributes to the team in the same way that the rest of the players contribute," he stated. The midfielder stressed the unity within the team and expressed confidence that this collective spirit will make the difference in the long run.

The draw has sparked debate over Ronaldo's diminishing physical and technical output, with the 39-year-old facing intense criticism. Portugal's campaign continues as they aim to recover from this setback and progress in the tournament. Neves remains optimistic, asserting that the team still possesses the confidence and ability to achieve its goals.