Joao Neves Causes Stir With Cristiano Ronaldo Comments After Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

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Joao Neves has enraged thousands of Cristiano Ronaldo fans with his comments after Portugal's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo.

Portugal are considered one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup and were easily expected to beat DR Congo at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Roberto Martinez's side looked like they would triumph with ease when Neves gave them the lead after just six minutes. However, they were unable to make their dominance count and Yoane Wissa levelled proceedings just before half-time.

Neither side could find a winner in the second half and the two sides were forced to share the spoils.

Ronaldo, playing in a record-equalling sixth World Cup in North America, was named in his side's starting lineup for the match against DR Congo.

However, he was far from his best as he struggled to make an impact up front. Despite playing the full match, he was unable to hit the target with any of his three shots on goal.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neves was asked about Ronaldo in his post-match interview. He said, per the Sun:

“We know what Cristiano has done for us, for our national team, and for the world of football. But at this moment, he and we know that he is no different. He is just another player here to help. He is no different from the others. He is here to contribute, just like all of us.”

He added: "He played very well. I think the whole team played an excellent game."

While Neves did not mean any disrespect, thousands of angry Ronaldo fans have flooded his Instagram page with negative comments.

One fan said: "Let me be clear: your comments about Cristiano Ronaldo were disrespectful and unprofessional. You don't have to like him, but you WILL respect him. You’re a young player with talent, but talent without respect means nothing. Legends built this game for you. Act like it. Show some class and keep Ronaldo's name out of your mouth unless it's with respect."

A second commented: "Why are you talking about Ronaldo like this? You should respect the history you have with him," while a third said: "Show some respect for Cristiano Ronaldo. He is your captain, your leader, and the man who carried Portugal onto the world stage. Without him, a lot of what Portugal achieved would never have happened. Yet every time Portugal loses, you point fingers at Ronaldo as if he’s the only one on the pitch. That’s disgraceful."

A fourth wrote: "You're still young and you shouldn't talk like that. It just makes the locker room worse."

The Sun have even reported that Neves' girlfriend, Madalena Aragao, has also been hounded with Ronaldo-related replies.

Portugal are next in action when they face Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on Tuesday, June 23.

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