Virat Kohli Backed Ronaldo Long Before Critics

Why Virat Kohli Warned the Football World About Ronaldo Years Ago

By neha - June 18, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing fresh criticism after Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo. The result opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a flat note. Long before this backlash, cricket star Virat Kohli had already defended Ronaldo against similar doubts.

What sparked the latest criticism

Ronaldo started for Portugal in their World Cup 2026 opener at age 41. He struggled to make an impact as Portugal could only draw with DR Congo. Pundits and fans questioned his place in the squad after just one match.

This is not the first time critics have written Ronaldo off mid-career. Kohli, who has faced his own share of doubters in recent years, pushed back against that pattern more than once.

Kohli's response after Ronaldo's Riyadh All-Stars showing

In 2023, Ronaldo played for a Riyadh All-Stars side against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Ronaldo scored twice as his side won 4-3. Kohli used the moment to call out Ronaldo's critics directly, noting how quiet they had suddenly gone after years of dismissing him.

Kohli's tribute after Qatar 2022

When Portugal exited the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kohli wrote a public tribute to Ronaldo. He said no trophy could diminish what Ronaldo had given to the sport and its fans. Kohli closed the post by calling Ronaldo, in his own words, "the greatest of all time."

What Kohli said about Ronaldo back in 2019

Kohli's admiration for Ronaldo goes back further still. During a 2019 interview with FIFA.com, Kohli described Ronaldo's work ethic as unmatched by any other athlete. He said Ronaldo's drive showed in every match and that it inspired his own approach to sport.

The numbers behind Ronaldo's current form

Ronaldo's club form tells a different story than his World Cup opener suggests. He scored 28 goals in 30 appearances for Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 season. His struggle with Portugal looks more like a lack of chemistry with faster-league teammates than a decline in ability.

What comes next for Ronaldo

Ronaldo is widely expected to retire from international football once this World Cup ends. Portugal still have group-stage matches left to turn their campaign around. Given his history of responding to setbacks, a strong showing in the coming games would fit his pattern.

Kohli has faced comparable criticism throughout his own career and answered it by reclaiming his place in India's batting order. Many in football now expect Ronaldo to do the same on the biggest stage left to him.