Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister backs criticism of Fernandes at the 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, liked an Instagram post that criticized Bruno Fernandes.

The Portugal stars were both in action as their country slumped to a 1‑1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener.

Roberto Martínez’s side took the lead via Joao Neves in the sixth minute, only for Yoane Wissa to level with DR Congo’s first ever World Cup goal.

Manchester United skipper Fernandes appeared frustrated as his former Old Trafford colleague Ronaldo missed a golden chance during the second half.

Portugal’s disappointing result sparked plenty of criticism from fans.

One Instagram user wrote: “Bruno Fernandes looks like a different player in the national team jersey. When Portugal needs a leader the most, he disappears from the game and leaves the responsibility on others’ shoulders. Lots of talent, lots of media attention, but where’s the decisiveness in the big moments? The fans expect a star who steps up when the pressure mounts, not someone who vanishes when the game gets tough.”

Ronaldo’s sister Aveiro has a verified Instagram account with 1.6 million followers.

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According to The Sun, the account was seen to have liked the post slating Fernandes.

Ronaldo’s other sister, Elma Aveiro, bizarrely claimed that Portugal had been “robbed” in a further Instagram post.

She wrote: “I believe beginnings are difficult, but endings are good. You’re the ones on the pitch. It’s easy to talk. And besides, having the victory stolen from you like that isn’t easy.”

Meanwhile, former England striker Jay Bothroyd delivered a strong assessment of Ronaldo’s display against DR Congo.

Bothroyd argued that Portugal would benefit if Ronaldo accepted a place on the bench and was used as an impact substitute.

“Have to be honest, I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player,” Bothroyd told Sky Sports. “Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don’t think he is. And that’s my point.”

Bothroyd also questioned Ronaldo’s continued pursuit of comparisons with Lionel Messi and suggested it was affecting Portugal’s collective balance.

“I look at Ronaldo and… the Ronaldo faithful are going to hate me today, but it looks like it’s all about him, yeah? You know, and he’s always chasing Messi all the time,” he added. “He’s never going to be Messi, but what he has throughout his career, he’s made the absolute most out of his career… But right now he’s becoming more of a hindrance for Portugal than help, and I think that’s where Martinez is going wrong.”