Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for first time on senior international stage - but how many times has Portugal star seen red in his career?

React to this story

Cristiano Ronaldo saw red for the first time as a senior international in Republic of Ireland's famous victory in Dublin. His first sending-off came for Portugal's U17s in 2002, before four red cards at Manchester United and six at Real Madrid - including two in major finals. He was sent off once for Juventus in the Champions League and again for Al Nassr in last year's Saudi Arabian Super Cup.

Ronaldo 'complimented me for pressurising the ref!’ - Hallgrimsson

Video credit: SNTV

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off on Thursday night as Portugal fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in a 2026 UEFA World Cup qualifier - the 14th red card of his storied career, and remarkably, his first as a full international.

The 40-year-old had never previously been dismissed in 226 appearances for Portugal's senior team, though he was sent off during his youth international days.

This time, the Al Nassr forward saw red in the 61st minute after appearing to elbow Ireland defender Dara O'Shea off the ball. The referee initially issued a yellow card, but upgraded the punishment to a straight red after a VAR review at the pitchside monitor.

Football

'I will pick him' - New Portugal boss Jesus makes Ronaldo vow

10/07/2026 at 21:38

Ronaldo is now suspended for Portugal's home match against Armenia on Sunday, but he could face further sanctions. FIFA rules allow for "at least two matches for serious foul play," which could potentially rule him out of the opening game of next summer's 2026 World Cup in America.

As he left the pitch, Ronaldo sarcastically applauded Ireland's supporters and exchanged words with Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Hallgrimsson had said after Ireland’s defeat to Portugal last month - when Ronaldo had a penalty saved - that the Portuguese captain was "controlling the referee".

Asked about their touchline conversation on Thursday, Hallgrimsson revealed: "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee."

'He cares about the team' - Ronaldo red card 'was a bit harsh’, says Martinez

Video credit: SNTV

Hallgrimsson added that the incident was entirely Ronaldo’s responsibility: "It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me - unless I got into his head."

Hallgrimsson confirmed the pair did not speak after the match: "No, I think we spoke enough when he came off. There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say."

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, however, saw the incident differently and defended his captain, while also questioning Hallgrimsson’s comments in the build-up.

"The red card is just a captain that has never been sent off before in 226 games - I think that just deserves credit - and today, I thought it was a bit harsh because he cares about the team," said Martinez.

"He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender.

'It is not worth repeating' - Ronaldo refuses to elaborate on 2026 World Cup, excited for Ireland

Video credit: SNTV

"I think the action looks worse than what it actually is. I don't think it's an elbow, I think it's a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow. But we accept it.

"The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is at the press conference yesterday, your coach was talking about the aspect of the referees being influenced, and then a big centre-half falls on the floor so dramatically at the turn of Cristiano's body."

Though unprecedented at senior international level, Ronaldo's dismissal in Dublin adds another chapter to a long list of red cards across his career.

His first sending-off came for Portugal's U17s in 2002, before four red cards at Manchester United and six at Real Madrid - including two in major finals. He was sent off once for Juventus in the Champions League and again for Al Nassr in last year's Saudi Arabian Super Cup.

‘Don’t boo me... I’ll be a good boy!’ - Ronaldo tells Irish fans before World Cup qualifier

Video credit: SNTV

First red card at Man Utd

The first red card of his time at Manchester United was a curious one, coming against Aston Villa in the final Premier League game of the 2003/04 season.

Already booked for a perceived act of simulation by referee Rob Styles, the then-19-year-old was shown a second booking for apparent time wasting, lobbing the ball over Thomas Sorensen after the match official had blown his whistle.

Ronaldo played in the FA Cup final against Millwall a week later - opening the scoring in a 3-0 victory for United in Cardiff - while his suspension due for the start of the following campaign was later rescinded as it was deemed by Styles that Ronaldo tripped over his own feet accidentally and did not seek to gain an advantage by falling down.

Red mist in Manchester Derby

Moments after absorbing a fierce, unpunished challenge from Manchester City’s Stephen Jordan, Manchester United’s No. 7 went charging after the loose ball, apparently still engulfed in a haze of anger.

Andrew Cole - once one of United’s most prolific strikers and now plying his trade across the city - became the unsuspecting target.

Ronaldo's airborne lunge thankfully failed to make contact, but referee Steve Bennett required no further evidence. The red card appeared instantly, leaving United a man down while already trailing 2–0.

Sir Alex Ferguson, in characteristic defiance, appealed the dismissal - a protest the FA duly and predictably rejected.

Sent off for apparent headbutt

Bennett was also the man in the middle to dismiss Ronaldo for the third time in his United career. Richard Hughes, now Liverpool sporting director, was playing at Portsmouth when he was on the receiving end of an apparent headbutt by the Portuguese star.

Hughes later described the clash at Fratton Park in 2007 as "one of the highlights of my career".

Sir Alex Ferguson, who almost never publicly chastised his star winger, bristled at the incident.

"He has got to realise he is better than these other players and not to rise to their bait - he has got to rise above it," Ferguson warned.

The Hand of Ron

Ronaldo's fourth and final Premier League dismissal came in the last season of his first spell at United - and fittingly, in another Manchester derby. Howard Webb had little hesitation in brandishing a second yellow card for a deliberate handball, sending United's star man off for an early shower.

"I heard a beep," Ronaldo protested afterwards. But replays made the truth plain: no foul on Micah Richards had been committed, let alone blown for, before Ronaldo instinctively threw his arms up.

City manager Mark Hughes voiced the question on everyone’s mind: "If the ball was going to hit him in the face, why didn’t he just head it?"

Copa del Rey implosion

Ronaldo was sent off six times for Real Madrid, but none were more significant than his red card in the 2013 Copa del Rey final against cross-city rivals Atletico.

Diego Simeone famously guided Atletico to their first derby victory since 1999 against their decorated neighbours as Real collapsed at their own stadium, losing after extra-time as Ronaldo and his manager Jose Mourinho were both dismissed.

It was Ronaldo who gave Real a 13th-minute lead before he grew annoyed at the special treatment he was receiving.

Following a late challenge from Gabi, Ronaldo flicked out his boot, appearing to strike the Atletico midfielder in the face. It was not the first, nor the last, time Ronaldo lost his head.

Ronaldo's full red-card history

April 28, 2002 – Portugal U17 vs France U17 (European Under-17 Championship)
May 15, 2004 – Manchester United vs Aston Villa (Premier League)
Jan 14, 2006 – Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League)
Aug 15, 2007 – Manchester United vs Portsmouth (Premier League)
Nov 30, 2008 – Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League)
Dec 5, 2009 – Real Madrid vs Almeria (LaLiga)
Jan 24, 2010 – Real Madrid vs Malaga (LaLiga)
May 17, 2013 – Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (Copa del Rey final)
Feb 2, 2014 – Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao (LaLiga)
Jan 24, 2015 – Real Madrid vs Cordoba (LaLiga)
Aug 13, 2017 – Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Spanish Super Cup)
Sept 19, 2018 – Juventus vs Valencia (UEFA Champions League)
April 8, 2024 – Al Nassr vs Al Hilal (Saudi Arabian Super Cup)
Nov 13, 2025 – Portugal vs Republic of Ireland (World Cup Qualifier)

Watch and stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

World Cup