For many Irish fans, Cristiano Ronaldo is as much of a draw for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Portugal as Ireland clutching to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The global superstar will be in action for the Nations League champions in the Aviva Stadium, with Portugal themselves looking to officially confirm their spot at next year’s finals in North America.
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Ronaldo was left frustrated at last month’s return leg in Lisbon, where a Caoimhín Kelleher penalty save summed up his struggles to convert the number of chances that came his way in front of goal.
The last time Portugal played here in 2021, Ronaldo received a cool reception from many of the Irish fans. He looks forward to playing in front of the “lovely” Ireland fans again on Thursday night, but pleaded with them not to boo him once again.
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Cristiano Ronaldo looks ahead to Ireland v Portugal
12 November 2025; Cristiano Ronaldo before a Portugal media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez spoke to the Irish and Portuguese media in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s crunch World Cup qualifier.
Ronaldo received a mixed welcome from the Irish crowd the last time he played here in 2021, with a chorus of boos meeting every touch before the crowd applauded his decision to give his jersey to a young pitch invader at the full-time whistle.
He praised the passion of the Irish fans and said he was expecting another big reception on Thursday evening. However, he did also plead with the Ireland fans not to boo him.
“Very nice. I really like the fans here, the support they give to their national team, it’s lovely,” Ronaldo said of the Irish fans.
For me, it’s it’s a pleasure to come in to play here again. And of course we’ll be tough. I hope they don’t boo too much to me tomorrow. I swear that I’m gonna try to be a good boy.
“But of course I do my job. I try to win the game and try to score to help my team. But as I said before…I’m sure that the game will be difficult.”
On the other side of Thursday’s divide is Ireland assistant coach John O’Shea, who of course played alongside Ronaldo for six years at Manchester United.
Ronaldo said that he looks forward to hopefully crossing paths with his old teammate in the Aviva, as well as a few other old friends he has in Ireland.
“Well, if I see him around,” he said when asked if he will make contact with John O’Shea during his time in Ireland.
Of course he was a guy that I play so many years together. I have a very good relationship with him, not only him, but some Irish people. I have some relations, and it’s good.
It’s always good to be back here. The people are always nice with me. I repeat, I hope that no boo again against me tomorrow.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez played down any expectation that Ireland may – for want of a better phrase – “park the bus” once again on Thursday night, with the context of this return leg so different to last month’s game in Lisbon.
Ronaldo said that he expects Portugal’s game plan to stay the same as it was in October, while Ireland’s may have to evolve on a big night for the team.
“I think the game will be quite the same in Lisbon,” Ronaldo said.
Of course, they play with their supporters on their side.
They will be more exciting, the fans and everyone, but in terms of tactically, I think we’ll be kind of the same.
I think they’re not going to push too much forward. They’re going to wait for us tight, defend very tight and play counterattack. I think we’ll be kind of similar the game, but we are prepared
We know it’s going to be tough because physically they are very strong, but we should do our game and try to win the game.
If Ireland can keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet on Thursday evening, they will have gone a long way to picking up one of their most famous ever results.
Kick-off in the Aviva Stadium is at 7:45pm, with the game live on RTÉ 2. Tickets are sold out.
Eoin Harrington reporting from Portgual’s press conference at the Aviva Stadium
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