Ronaldo’s historic first red card at 40 may lead to 2026 World Cup ban

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend and the highest goal scorer in football history, has received the first-ever red card of his international career.

During the World Cup qualifier match against Ireland, his 226th international appearance at the age of 40, Ronaldo swung an elbow against the rival Irish defender Dara O’Shea after the latter kept pulling and pushing Ronaldo during the match.

The referee immediately showed a yellow card to Ronaldo but during review, the offense was deemed worthy of a red card, marking the first red card in the 22-year career of the Portuguese striker.

Ronaldo’s side lost the match 2-0 on Thursday. Now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not play the next qualifier against Armenia on Sunday.

In ever worst news, he might also be banned from playing the first match of the 2026 World Cup, most probably his last, if Portugal qualify.

FIFA has said that the suspensions accumulated through yellow cards do not carry forward to the tournaments; however, straight red card suspensions are carried forward to the tournament.

• Yellow card: official warning for a lesser offense
• Red card: instant send-off for a serious foul

The player, whose strikes landed 953 times straight into the net, didn’t react to the development after the match.

Portugal boss Robert Martinez defended the billionaire forward stating the two Irish defenders constantly maintained physical contact with Ronaldo, adding, “the outburst by the Portuguese captain was not violent”.