He doesn’t have to apologise for anything - Ronaldo backed after penalty missed against Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland after missing a penalty in Portugal’s 2–1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Al-Nassr superstar saw his 75th-minute spot-kick saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Ruben Neves struck a dramatic 91st-minute winner to rescue all three points for the Selecao in Dublin.

Despite the miss, Ronaldo’s standing as Portugal’s greatest-ever player remains unshaken. Following the match, he apologised to fans in the stadium, but teammate Renato Veiga insisted the veteran forward had nothing to be sorry for.

“Cristiano doesn't have to apologise for anything,” Veiga told reporters.

He added, “For everything he's done for Portugal and Portuguese football, for what he still does, and for the great performance he put in, there’s nothing to forgive.”

Ronaldo remains level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz on 39 World Cup qualifying goals, needing just one more to set a new record.

He has already amassed 141 international goals in 224 appearances, and continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.