Cristiano Ronaldo says he will be a 'good boy' to stop Ireland fans booing him in Portugal's penultimate FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier
Updated 13/11/2025 at 17:33 GMT
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Cristiano Ronaldo says he will be a "good boy" to stop Irish fans from booing him during Portugal's penultimate FIFA World Cup qualifier in Dublin. A win will secure Portugal's spot at next summer's World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA, which Ronaldo has confirmed will be his last major international tournament. Ireland sit third in Group F but can still qualify for a play-off spot.
‘Don’t boo me... I’ll be a good boy!’ - Ronaldo tells Irish fans before World Cup qualifier
Video credit: SNTV
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will be a "good boy" in an attempt to avoid being booed by the Republic of Ireland fans during Portugal’s penultimate FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Thursday evening.
A win at the Aviva Stadium will guarantee that Portugal will finish top of Group F and progress to next summer’s World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Ireland are currently third in the group, one point behind second-placed side Hungary, meaning they could still qualify for a play-off place with a pair of strong results in their final two qualifiers.
Ronaldo spoke highly of Irish supporters ahead of the clash, but admitted that he will do all he can to get on the scoresheet.
"I really like the fans here, the support they give to their national team is lovely," he said. "For me it's a pleasure to come to play here again, and of course it will be tough.
"I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow, I swear that I'm gonna try to be a good boy!
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Video credit: SNTV
"But of course I do my job, I try to win the game and try to score to help my team.
"But as I said before, I think now, I'm sure that the game will be difficult."
Portugal will follow up their trip to Dublin with their final World Cup qualifier against Armenia on November 16.
Ireland’s final World Cup qualifier against Hungary could prove to be crucial, with just one point separating the two sides as things stand.
Portugal won the reverse fixture 1-0 in October, with Ruben Neves producing a stoppage-time winner.
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Ronaldo is hoping to reach a sixth World Cup, but at 40 years old, it looks set to be his last. He says he is happy with his role with the national team and just wants to score more goals.
"What can I say about the World Cup?," he added. "What’s said is said.
"I always want to score, I love it and this is also my role. Obviously, I want to play in the next World Cup, otherwise I would not be here.
"Step by step."
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