Cristiano Ronaldo's recent red card for Portugal against Ireland marks a rare blemish on his international record, but it's far from the first dismissal of his storied career. The incident, which occurred during a World Cup qualifier, could see the 40-year-old miss the tournament's opening match.
A Career of Red Cards: The Club Dismissals
While this was Ronaldo's first senior sending-off for Portugal after more than 200 appearances spanning two decades, his club career tells a different story. The football icon has been shown red 12 times for his various clubs.
His most recent club dismissal came in April 2024 while playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup against Al-Hilal. Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo received one red card during his time with Juventus in the 2018/19 Champions League.
His spell at Real Madrid accounted for six sendings-off:
- Four in La Liga
- One in the Spanish Super Cup
- One in the Copa del Rey
The Manchester United Incidents and Ferguson's Reaction
Ronaldo's earliest career dismissals came during his first spell at Manchester United, where he was sent off four times. The most notable incident occurred in 2007 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
With just seven minutes remaining and the scores level, Ronaldo headbutted Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes – the same man who would later become Liverpool's sporting director. This came just two minutes after Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari had been sent off, costing United a potential advantage.
Unlike previous incidents where the club appealed, manager Sir Alex Ferguson offered no defence for his player. Instead, he delivered a public warning that would shape Ronaldo's future conduct.
"He has got to realise he is better than these other players and not to rise to their bait. He has got to rise above it," Ferguson stated bluntly.
Legacy and Recent Controversy
Richard Hughes later reflected humorously on the incident, telling Played Up Pompey Three: "It was a trivial moment. One of the highlights of my career, but an insignificant encounter for Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm not someone who scored loads of goals, so I have to remember other landmarks."
He added: "Sir Alex Ferguson afterwards said Ronaldo shouldn't get involved with inferior players. He was absolutely right, I am an inferior player. Did I take offence? Well, 99 per cent of the footballing world is inferior to Cristiano Ronaldo, so I had absolutely no problem with that!"
Ronaldo appeared to take Ferguson's advice to heart, responding with his then-career best of 31 league goals the following season, helping United secure both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
However, his recent red card against Ireland suggests Ferguson's wisdom might have been forgotten. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez offered some defence for his veteran star, suggesting: "I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who is in the area throughout the game and has to deal with defenders who are always making contact, always grabbing... There's no violence; Cristiano tries to clear the ball. He was unlucky."
Martinez also highlighted the remarkable nature of this being Ronaldo's first international red card at age 40, calling the statistic "incredible" given his lengthy career.
