Felipe Melo backs Ronaldo as Portugal row deepens
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The dispute around Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal national team has continued to divide opinion, with former Brazil international Felipe Melo emerging as one of his most outspoken defenders. Speaking on SporTV’s Seleção SporTV programme, Melo said Portugal’s younger players had not shown Ronaldo enough respect and contrasted their behaviour with how Argentina’s squad treats Lionel Messi. Ronaldo then liked the clip after it was posted online, a move reported as a tacit endorsement of Melo’s criticism. At the same time, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he had no regrets, would not apologise, and maintained that no player has special privileges in the national team setup
Key Points
- SingTao said Ronaldo’s angry departure from the Portugal national team became a major football talking point, drawing both support and criticism
- Felipe Melo, a former Brazil midfielder with 22 international caps, defended Ronaldo during an appearance on SporTV’s Seleção SporTV programme
- Melo said Portugal players showed Ronaldo less respect than Argentina players show Messi, adding that even opponents seemed more respectful.
- He also argued that none of Portugal’s players had reached “Ronaldo’s ankle” in career stature and should not let a historic figure leave as if nothing happened
- On.cc reported Ronaldo missed two UEFA Nations League matches, both won by Portugal, including a 4-2 victory over Denmark, while the federation was said to be considering a meeting to reconcile him with Jorge Jesus
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong football audiences, the episode goes beyond celebrity drama and raises a familiar question about how national teams manage ageing superstars without undermining dressing-room authority. Ronaldo’s public “like” also shows how social media can become part of a dispute, shaping narratives even when the player does not issue a direct statement.