The week of November 10, 2025, has proved to be one of stark contrasts for Cristiano Ronaldo, mixing definitive clarity on his future with a moment of unprecedented disciplinary action that could jeopardize his next major tournament. Just days after confirming the timeline for the final chapter of his career, the Portuguese superstar was sent off for the first time in his 226 appearances for the national team during a critical World Cup qualifier. The incident not only resulted in a shock defeat for Portugal but also opened the door to a potential ban from the 2026 World Cup’s opening matches.
The flashpoint occurred on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during Portugal’s Group F qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. With Portugal already trailing 2-0 following a brace from Irish striker Troy Parrott, frustration boiled over for the 40-year-old forward. Just after the hour mark, Ronaldo was shown a yellow card for an elbow on Irish defender Dara O’Shea, which was subsequently upgraded to a straight red following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The dismissal compounded a disappointing night, which saw Portugal fail to secure the win that would have guaranteed their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Red Card Fallout and Looming FIFA Ban
Ronaldo’s red card means he is automatically suspended for Portugal’s final and crucial Group F fixture against Armenia on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Estádio do Dragão. However, the true concern for the Portuguese camp is the potential for a more severe sanction from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Given that the offence was judged to be violent conduct (elbowing), FIFA regulations could impose a ban of “at least three matches.” Such a ruling would see Ronaldo, who is aiming for a record sixth World Cup appearance, miss the first two group stage matches of the tournament in North America.
The dramatic sending-off arrived shortly after the striker made explicit comments about his longevity in the sport. Speaking at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Ronaldo clarified his retirement plans. When asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last, he stated, “Definitely, yes… I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.” He further elaborated on his timeline for retiring from club football, saying, “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game.”
The contrasting events underscore the intense pressure still surrounding one of football’s greatest icons as he enters the twilight of his career. On the one hand, he provided a clear vision of his ending, intending to finish his international journey at the World Cup—the only major trophy missing from his cabinet. On the other hand, the spontaneous red card places that very swansong in jeopardy before it even begins.
Portugal, still top of Group F by two points, now faces Armenia needing a victory to secure their automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup without their captain. The nation holds its breath, hoping the team can perform to book their flight to the tournament, while simultaneously awaiting FIFA’s final decision that will determine their star player’s involvement once they arrive.
