Ronaldo hits back at critics: 'For 23 years you have been trying to kill me'

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team, pushed back against media criticism on the eve of an eagerly anticipated round-of-16 clash with Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying: "For 23 years you have been trying to kill me."

Speaking at a press conference in Arlington, near Dallas, before a large gathering of journalists, Ronaldo said: "For 23 years you have been trying to kill me, but you have already realised it is no use."

He added: "It is a waste of time — you try again and again, but it does not work. I have grown completely accustomed to all of this. I am used to the criticism, the praise, and everything that is said." He continued: "I am not blind. I can see very well the scale of the criticism and attacks I constantly face, but this is nothing new to me. In fact, I sometimes thank those who criticise me, because I am living a different phase of my life."

Portugal entered the current tournament amid a barrage of attacks from the local press directed at Ronaldo, particularly following the opening draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Spanish coach Roberto Martínez, however, has continued to offer strong backing to his captain despite the forward's failure to score in his last 10 appearances in major tournaments before the start of this World Cup.

The 41-year-old sidestepped a question about the end of his international career, saying: "I think for a long time you have been asking me the same question: is this the last one? We will see." He added: "As I have said before, I will stop when I decide to, not when you decide."

Asked about the pressure of winning the one major title still missing from his career, he said: "I do not feel that anything is missing from my life. God has been very generous with me and has given me far more than I ever dreamed of, both on the sporting and personal level. I live every moment as it is. I will not become more Cristiano if I win the World Cup, and I will not become less Cristiano if I do not win it. Tomorrow we face a very tough team, but I believe we will rise to the occasion."