Mother’s heartfelt message
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has received a touching message of support from his mother, Dolores Aveiro, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The message, shared in a video by FIFA on its official social media channels, expresses immense pride in her son’s ongoing achievements and thanks fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. This comes at a significant time as Ronaldo continues to make history in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
In her message, Dolores Aveiro stated, “I am so proud that my son continues to make history. I want to thank all the fans who have always stood by you. You give so much to the world. A kiss for you, my son. Your mom will always be by your side.” She also extended her gratitude for the respect shown to her son and thanked all the Portuguese fans, adding, “Football will always be in my heart, and in everyone’s. Go Portugal! Kisses.” This emotional declaration quickly resonated with football fans across social media, highlighting the strong bond between Ronaldo and his mother.
Dolores Aveiro has been a constant source of support for Cristiano Ronaldo since the beginning of his football journey. After the passing of Ronaldo’s father, she raised four children in Madeira and supported young Cristiano’s focus on football. When he made the difficult decision to move away from home to join Sporting Lisbon’s academy, she backed him despite the challenges it presented to the family. Her steadfast support has continued through injuries, criticism, club changes, and major career milestones, underscoring her role as one of his most ardent supporters.
Responding to criticism
The message from Dolores Aveiro arrived at a crucial point in Portugal’s World Cup campaign. Ronaldo had faced criticism following the team’s opening draw against DR Congo, where he did not register a shot on target despite multiple attempts. Questions regarding his age and his position in the starting lineup resurfaced almost immediately after this match.
However, Ronaldo responded to these criticisms effectively. He scored two goals during Portugal’s decisive 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, reminding observers of his continued impact in the sport. Following this performance, Ronaldo reflected on the challenging period after the initial draw, acknowledging that the criticism had been difficult to ignore.
He commented, “God helps those who work hard. It was a difficult, dark week; it felt like I’d already retired from football. But I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back. It’s fine because when you think about it, it’s already 23 years I’ve been a professional and whenever things don’t go well it’s: ‘Cristiano, he’s finished, he’s old.’ But well, it was a good response from me and my teammates, which is what we wanted.” After scoring his two goals, Ronaldo celebrated by shouting “I’m back, I’m back” towards the cameras, signaling his response to those who had questioned his role.
Looking ahead to the knockout stage
Portugal has already secured its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is now preparing for a match against Colombia, which is expected to be a significant Group K encounter. Both teams have qualified for the knockout rounds, but the battle for first place in the group remains contested.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal against a Colombia side that includes players like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez. The match will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. A victory for Portugal would position them at the top of the group, while Colombia would need only a draw to maintain their lead heading into the knockout stages. Ronaldo enters this match with renewed confidence and the continued support of his family, including his mother’s emotional message.
Ronaldo has already achieved a notable milestone in this tournament by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. This achievement adds another chapter to his distinguished career. As Portugal aims for a strong finish in the group stage, the team will look to carry their winning momentum into the upcoming challenges of the World Cup.
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Source: hindustantimes.com
