Ronaldo Under Spotlight After Liking Viral Post Mocking Portugal Stars

Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared to show support for criticism of the way he was treated by Portugal after liking an Instagram post that questioned the national team’s handling of the veteran forward and criticised his teammates.

The Al-Nassr star was among the users who liked a video featuring former Brazil international Felipe Melo discussing Portugal’s treatment of Ronaldo following the team’s Nations League victory over Denmark.

Melo questioned what he described as a significant difference in the way Ronaldo is treated compared with how Argentina’s Lionel Messi is treated by his national team and opponents.

“I see a grotesque difference in the players’ treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo in relation to Argentina players with Lionel Messi,” Melo said.

He further argued that Ronaldo’s status should command greater respect and criticised the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Portugal camp.

“No one reaches the level of Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s unacceptable. You can’t let the best player in history leave like that, as if nothing had happened. You can’t,” Melo added.

A clip containing Melo’s remarks was subsequently shared on Instagram, where Ronaldo appeared to like the post. His apparent reaction has attracted attention because it came shortly after his departure from Portugal’s national-team camp.

Ronaldo reportedly held discussions with manager Jorge Jesus before leaving the camp, although the specific details of any disagreement between the pair have not been made public.

The Portugal captain later confirmed his departure in a statement, saying he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision.

“After the press conference of the national team coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team camp,” Ronaldo said.

He added that he would explain the circumstances behind his departure “in due time” and wished Portugal and his teammates success.

Ronaldo subsequently missed Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark. During the match, Denmark forward Rasmus Højlund, who previously played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, celebrated after scoring by performing Ronaldo’s trademark “Siu” celebration.

The latest development has once again drawn attention to Ronaldo’s relationship with the Portugal national team, following previous tensions during his international career, including his reported fallout with former manager Fernando Santos during the 2022 World Cup.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ronaldo’s apparent Instagram activity has added another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding his departure from the Portugal camp, although the full circumstances behind the reported disagreement remain undisclosed.