Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Dublin: A Tough Night and a Historic Journey
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Dublin in November 2025 to face the Republic of Ireland in a key qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, played at Aviva Stadium, carried real pressure for both sides as they chased a place at next summer’s tournament in North America.
At 40, Ronaldo remains a central figure for Portugal. By the time the 2026 World Cup arrives, he will be 41, yet his role has not faded. He already holds Portugal’s records for international goals and appearances, and earlier in the qualifiers, he reached 41 goals in World Cup qualifying, underlining how important he still is to the team.
A Difficult Night in Dublin
Portugal came to Dublin knowing a win could seal direct qualification. The atmosphere was intense from the start. Ronaldo even joked beforehand that he was ready to accept boos from the crowd if it helped take pressure off his teammates.
On the pitch, things did not go to plan. Ireland played with confidence and energy, backed by a loud home crowd. Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half, giving Ireland a 2–0 lead. Portugal struggled to control the game and never fully recovered.
The night became even harder when Ronaldo was shown the first straight red card of his international career after an elbow on an Irish defender. It was an unusual moment in a long career and means he will miss at least the next qualifier.
What This Means for Portugal
This defeat has not quenched Portugal’s hopes of playing in the World Cup, but it has certainly complicated their progress. They needed a win in Dublin, and now they have to win their remaining matches, hoping that others go their way.
This campaign matters more than most. If Portugal qualifies, it would be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, a milestone no other player has reached. That possibility keeps extra focus on every remaining match.
A Career That Still Moves Forward
Ronaldo has played in stadiums all over the world, and Dublin is one of many places linked to his international journey. There’s a definite disappointment in this return, but there is also a level of commitment that has come through. A tough night has come and gone, but the response shows how committed he is to the sport and how serious he is about it.
Portugal’s World Cup qualification is still possible. As the World Cup qualification rounds continue, having Cristiano Ronaldo’s experience will be crucial, particularly in high-pressure situations. Whether or not this is his final World Cup run, his influence on the journey is evident.