Mother’s heartfelt message
Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, has shared an emotional message of support for her son during Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The message, delivered via a video shared by FIFA on social media, expressed immense pride in Ronaldo’s continued achievements and thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. Dolores Aveiro’s words resonated widely among football enthusiasts, highlighting the strong bond between the player and his family.
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 to everyone for the respect shown to her son and sent kisses to all Portuguese fans, adding, “Football will always be in my heart, and in everyone’s. Go, Portugal! Kisses.” This heartfelt communication arrived as Portugal prepared for crucial matches in the tournament.
The support from his mother comes at a significant time for Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 41, continues to make history in the sport. He has scored in six different FIFA World Cups, a testament to his enduring presence at the highest level of international football. His mother’s message underscored the continuous family support that has been a constant throughout his illustrious career, from his early days in Madeira to his current status as a global football icon.
Responding to criticism
The emotional message from Dolores Aveiro also arrived during a period when Cristiano Ronaldo faced scrutiny. Questions arose regarding his age and his role in the starting lineup.
However, Ronaldo responded decisively to these doubts. In Portugal’s subsequent 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, he scored two goals, silencing critics and reaffirming his importance to the team. After this performance, he expressed his resilience, stating, “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.” He acknowledged the recurring nature of criticism concerning his age but highlighted the strong response from himself and his teammates.
This two-goal performance not only helped Portugal secure a significant win but also saw Ronaldo join other prominent players in the Golden Boot race. His celebration after the match, where he reportedly shouted “I’m back, I’m back” towards cameras, indicated his determination to prove his capabilities. The unwavering support from his family, particularly his mother’s public message, has been a source of strength for him as he continues to compete at an elite level.
Portugal’s World Cup journey
Portugal has already secured its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is now focused on their final group fixture against Colombia, a match that will determine the top spot in Group K. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances, with Colombia also having booked their place in the knockout rounds.
The upcoming match against Colombia, featuring players like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, is anticipated to be a competitive encounter. A win for Portugal would see them move to the top of the group, while Colombia would need only a draw to maintain their leading position heading into the knockout stages. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal in this crucial game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, carrying renewed confidence and the emotional backing of his family.
The team aims to continue their winning momentum and conclude the group stage with a strong performance, despite having already qualified for the Round of 32. This focus on securing the top spot reflects their ambition as they aim for further success in the tournament. Ronaldo’s mother’s message has added a memorable chapter to this historic tournament, reinforcing the idea that family support remains a significant factor for players even after decades in professional football.

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Source: hindustantimes.com