Portugal was defeated 2-0 by Ireland at the ongoing World Cup qualifier, and to make it worse, team superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made some ignominious history at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, by receiving a Red card. Roberto Martinez’s side were trailing by two goals down when the Al Nassr striker clashed with Dara O'Shea, hitting his elbow into the defender's back. The 40-year-old was initially given a Yellow card by referee Glenn Nyberg before it was upgraded to Red.
How many Red cards has Cristiano Ronaldo received with Portugal?
This is Ronaldo’s first-ever Red card received with Portugal in his 226 appearances for his nation; a record in men's international. However, his first sending off of his career came during a group stage match for Portugal on April 28, 2002, in the European Under-17 Championship. Additionally, at the club level, he has been sent off 13 times.
Following this, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will serve a mandatory one-game ban imposed for any red card. Portugal will host Armenia next, on Sunday, as a win will secure them a place at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the former Real Madrid star won't be available for the important game.
Meanwhile, according to a FIFA ban, it applies to competitive games and cannot be served in pre-tournament matches. This would see him ruled out of the first match of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Martinez’s side still leads Hungary by two points in Group F, which means that they need to win against Armenia to take Ronaldo to his sixth World Cup.
Red cards Ronaldo has received with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and more
Ronaldo has received four Red cards during his time with Manchester United. Two of those came in derbies against Manchester City. At Real Madrid, he has been sent off six times. Twice of those came in finals; one in the 2012-13 Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid and another in the Super Cup against FC Barcelona in 2017.
The Portuguese icon was sent off once during his time in Juventus when he received a Red card against Valencia in 2018. Additionally, he was given a Red card with Al Nassr in the derby against Al Hilal last year in the Super Cup.