Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa praises Portugal’s 9-1 win but regrets Cristiano missing a historic night
Portugal President reacts to Ronaldo’s absence after historic 9-1 win
Portugal may have sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion but the country’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa admitted it was “unfortunate’ that Cristiano Ronaldo was not on the pitch for one of the most memorable qualifiers in the nation’s history.
The Selecao crushed Armenia 9-1 to clinch top spot in Group F but Ronaldo was forced to watch from the stands due to suspension.
The 40 year old forward had been sent off in Portugal’s previous match — a 2-0 defeat to Ireland after striking Dara O’Shea with elbow earning him automatic ban.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: «Ronaldo perdeu um jogo em que era fundamental que estivesse»
Leia aqui: https://t.co/hW6GBgyL3J#selecao#portugal
— A BOLA (@abolapt) November 16, 2025
