Former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, for her conduct during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The outburst came on the back of the Portugal’s stuttering start to the competition, as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by tournament debutants DR Congo.
The result has reopened the fierce debate over the 41-year-old’s place in Roberto Martinez’s star-studded squad. However, Aveiro has insisted that Ronaldo was not to blame for the team’s collective struggles in Houston. She then added fuel to the flames by liking an Instagram post mocking Bruno Fernandes, which said the Manchester United captain regularly goes missing at crucial moments.
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Gabby Agbonlahor did not take kindly to Aviero’s actions, slamming her on talkSPORT Breakfast:
“I don’t like that. That’s toxic because Ronaldo wouldn’t want that either. Bruno Fernandes is a top player, I think Ronaldo struggled because he was playing central midfield himself, that’s the problem, he was playing too deep.”
Against the Congolese, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself dropping deep, taking only three shots at goal and putting none on target. Martinez’s men dominated with a massive 75% possession, but could only muster a paltry 0.65 xG for the entire game, less than Congo’s 0.87 xG.
Portugal at their best in FIFA World Cup if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play: Pundit
The discussion about Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality has continued amid his poor performance at the FIFA World Cup so far. ESPN analyst and former United States international Taylor Twellman has delivered a verdict on how Portugal should be built around their veteran talisman. He said (via FOX Sports):
“This is the best team Ronaldo’s ever had around him for Portugal going to the World Cup. I think Portugal is at their best if he doesn’t play.”
The depth of the squad Martinez has assembled means Portugal can operate as a much more fluid, high-pressing collective. Players such as Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and Rafael Leao are among the most exciting talents at the FIFA World Cup and are widely expected to go far.
Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored from open play in his last five FIFA World Cup games. His poor performance might have also gotten him subbed off, but Roberto Martinez has remained defiant. The Portugal head coach argued that it made no sense to take off the greatest goalscorer of all time when his side were looking for a winner.
Edited by Nnanna Mba
