Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his incredible work ethic, passion, and fierce competitiveness, which often show in his post-match interviews—especially after tough losses or controversial moments. Although he’s generally composed in public, there have been a few occasions where his emotions have boiled over in interviews, showcasing his frustration or anger. Here are some of Cristiano Ronaldo’s angriest post-match interview moments:
1. 2019 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 – Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid (1-2)
After Juventus lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the 2018/19 Champions League Round of 16, Ronaldo gave a fiery post-match interview. He was clearly frustrated with the result and upset with the performance of the referee. Ronaldo was particularly vocal about the penalty decisions in the match, questioning the fairness and criticizing the officiating. His anger stemmed from the fact that Juventus had been held to a loss despite his efforts.
- Quote: “I don’t understand the referee’s decisions, especially the penalty. In these kinds of games, we can’t have these types of mistakes.”
2. 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala Snub
Though not a match, one of Ronaldo’s angriest moments came at the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala, when he was snubbed for the award, losing to Lionel Messi. Ronaldo gave a visibly frustrated reaction when asked about the result, clearly upset by not winning, despite his stellar season. His body language during the entire event reflected his frustration, though he remained relatively composed during the interview.
- Quote: “I am not going to say I deserved it, but I had a good year.”
3. 2014 FIFA World Cup – Portugal’s Early Exit
Portugal’s early exit from the 2014 World Cup caused a lot of tension for Ronaldo, and his anger was palpable during the post-match interview after their loss to Germany. Ronaldo had been visibly frustrated with his own performances and the overall team’s struggles. He was asked about the team’s poor showing and his individual efforts, and he wasn’t afraid to express his displeasure with how things had gone.
- Quote: “I’m really angry and disappointed. We can’t keep making excuses. We didn’t play well, and that’s why we lost.”
4. 2019 UEFA Nations League Final – Portugal vs. Netherlands (1-0)
Although Portugal won the 2019 UEFA Nations League final, Ronaldo’s post-match interview following the victory had a fiery edge due to some earlier criticism he received during the tournament. Before the final, some pundits were questioning his involvement in the team, and after the win, Ronaldo made it clear that he didn’t appreciate the criticism. His response showed his frustration at being doubted despite his constant performances at the highest level.
- Quote: “I don’t care what the critics say. I’m used to this. I’ve been playing at the highest level for 15 years, and they still question me. It’s laughable.”
5. 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup – Portugal vs. Brazil (3-2)
During Portugal’s 2013 Confederations Cup match against Brazil, Ronaldo was visibly agitated after the loss, especially after a controversial offside call that went against him. He was frustrated with the refereeing decisions that led to Portugal’s defeat, and in the post-match interview, he expressed his anger in no uncertain terms, though he tried to remain professional.
- Quote: “I don’t want to talk about the referee. It’s clear what happened. There’s nothing more to say about that.”
6. 2013 Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund – UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final (3-4)
After Real Madrid was knocked out of the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund in 2013, Ronaldo’s frustration with the outcome and his team’s performance was on full display. He had a tense interaction with the media, where he was not pleased with the loss and the way the game unfolded, including the team’s defensive mistakes. He didn’t mince words when discussing the result, and his body language made it clear he wasn’t happy with the situation.
- Quote: “We have to look at ourselves. I am angry because we lost. We played at home, and we should have done better. We didn’t play as a team.”
7. 2010 FIFA World Cup – Portugal vs. Spain (0-1)
Portugal’s loss to Spain in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals was a tough pill for Ronaldo to swallow. He had been one of the standout players for his team in the tournament, and he was frustrated with the result. During his post-match interview, he was visibly upset, and when asked about Portugal’s chances and his performance, he was blunt in expressing his disappointment.
- Quote: “This is a terrible result. We fought hard, but we weren’t good enough. I’m just disappointed. We can’t let this happen again.”
8. 2018 FIFA World Cup – Portugal’s Draw with Iran (1-1)
Portugal’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Iran in the 2018 World Cup group stage left Ronaldo visibly angry in the post-match interview. The result meant Portugal had to rely on other results to advance, and Ronaldo was furious about the team’s inability to secure a win. He expressed his frustration at the match, the refereeing, and the missed opportunities.
- Quote: “We should have won this game. We had enough chances, but we didn’t take them. It’s frustrating, but we have to move on.”
Common Themes in Ronaldo’s Angriest Moments:
- Frustration with officials: Whether it’s a poor call or questionable refereeing, Ronaldo doesn’t shy away from calling out mistakes when he feels the result has been impacted.
- Frustration with teammates: In some cases, especially after poor team performances, Ronaldo has expressed anger over his teammates’ inability to perform, even if he doesn’t directly criticize them in public.
- Criticism from the media: Ronaldo is highly sensitive to media criticism, especially when questioned about his form or his place on the team. His fiery responses often reflect his drive and desire to prove doubters wrong.
- Unfulfilled expectations: With his immense standards and fierce desire to win, any result that doesn’t meet those expectations—especially in high-profile matches—elicits strong reactions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s anger often stems from a deep desire to win, to perform at the highest level, and to be the best. His intensity and determination to succeed are central to his persona, and his reactions, though at times fiery, are a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.