HOUSTON — Former Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sparked a massive social media backlash from football fans after downplaying Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic performance during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage on June 23.
The online feud erupted after Ibrahimovic, serving as a pundit for Fox Sports, openly dismissed Ronaldo’s post-match celebration. Following the blowout at Houston Stadium, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon had shouted “I’m back!” into a television camera—a release of emotion following a difficult opening week where critics slammed his shotless performance in a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When asked about Ronaldo’s goals and remarks, Ibrahimovic deadpanned: “It was a game to score. It was a game for Portugal to score a lot of goals. And his message? I thought he never left. I don’t know why he says ‘I’m back’.”
Ronaldo’s global fanbase quickly rallied on social media, sending “Biggest Ronaldo Hater” trending across major platforms. Fans took aim at the legendary Swedish striker’s apparent jealousy and negativity, posting comments such as:
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“Look at bro trying to downplay Ronaldo.”
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“Zlatan ate so many words he choked mid-sentence.”
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“He is literally holding back his tears… proof that your enemies still watch.”
Many supporters noted that Ibrahimovic’s dismissive comments targeted a genuinely historic milestone. With his two first-half goals—the first a near-post flick off a João Cancelo cross in the 6th minute, and the second a clinical finish from a Bruno Fernandes assist in the 39th—Ronaldo broke multiple records.
The brace officially made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments. Furthermore, the double took his total World Cup tally to 10 goals, surpassing the legendary Eusébio to make him Portugal’s highest-ever goalscorer in World Cup history.
The performance vindicated former England striker Michael Owen, who had predicted a massive response from Ronaldo after international rivals Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland all opened their World Cup campaigns with braces. Following the match, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez heavily praised his captain, stating, “He is an icon and a role model… Not just the scoring – the passes, the chances created.” Additional goals from Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leão, and an Uzbek own-goal completed the 5-0 rout.
