'They know nothing: and if you speak about Cristiano, it ends up on the first page because I'm the most followed guy in the world' - Cristiano Ronaldo launches extraordinary rant against the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer over 'tears' comments

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal visibly upset after missing a penalty is spoken to by Diogo Dalot of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at Frankfurt Arena on July 01, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo has launched an angry tirade against the critics who mocked him for bursting into tears during Portugal’s last-16 clash against Slovenia this summer.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was brought to tears shortly after he saw Jan Oblak save his extra-time penalty before he was able to regain his composure and score in the resulting shootout as Portugal progressed into the quarter-finals in Germany.

But it was Ronaldo’s tears that were the biggest post-match talking point, with a host of pundits, including the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on the Rest is Football podcast, plus former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamaan, who labelled the incident 'embarrassing.'

VIDEO Why Lee Carsley Might Fix England

They were among the pundits to question Ronaldo’s ego and ability to be a team player, but in a fired-up exchange with his former Old Trafford team-mate Rio Ferdinand on the UR Cristiano YouTube channel, the 39-year-old has moved to dismiss this criticism.

"They don't know nothing," he insisted. "It's much easier to criticise than to appreciate what you really have. We know how the press works, if you speak [positively] nothing sells, you have to speak [negatively]. It's normal. And if you speak about Cristiano, it's coming on the first page because I'm the most followed guy in the world."

Ronaldo was also asked by Ferdinand to explain why he burst into tears on the pitch in Germany.

Jan Oblak of Slovenia saves the penalty kick from Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Portugal and Slovenia at Frankfurt Arena on July 01, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Jan Oblak of Slovenia saves the penalty kick from Cristiano Ronaldo  (Image credit: Getty Images)

"When you have passion for what you are doing, you can't be worried about how you're feeling. For example, I cried the day I missed the penalty... when I cried, it's not because I felt that if I don't score Portugal will be eliminated, and the world will collapse on me. It's not because of that.

"People, they don't know me. Imagine that the last 27 penalties, you score. Then you miss, and in that period, you feel bad for yourself. The people who come to the stadium, your kids, your mum, your girlfriend, everyone. I feel sad because of that."

Ronaldo netted the 900th goal of his career last week when he netted in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia.

More Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his silence on his Euro 2024 penalty miss tears

The Collapse of the Saudi Pro League? Why so many big names are rejecting a big pay-day in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo details retirement plans, ahead of turning 40

Joe Mewis

For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team.

Read more
Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher continue to go back and forth on social media
'I didn't say that you clown - stop playing to the gallery like you always do' Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand spat continues on social media amid ongoing AFCON fallout
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 29: Cristiano Ronaldo of Man.Utd reacts after a missed chance on goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 29, 2008 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
'I asked Cristiano Ronaldo, "Did you mean it?" He went, "Sorry?" I didn’t think he’d heard, but he had and was like, "Are you f**king kidding? Yes I meant it!”': When the Portuguese superstar didn't like being doubted
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo
'I love him, not just because of his story as a kid and how he loved Cristiano and I was his idol. I think he's a top player' Ronaldo gives public show of support to world-class superstar
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the Champions League trophy after Real Madrid's win over Atletico Madrid in the 2016 final in Milan.
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals sensational Barcelona transfer talks
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the UEFA Nations League trophy after Portugal's win over the Netherlands in the final in June 2019.
'Cristiano Ronaldo is a man of football, I think he would have a massive impact if he joined Manchester United in some capacity when he decides to retire': CR7 tipped for shock Manchester United behind-the-scenes role
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal poses for a portrait during the Portugal Portrait session ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Germany on June 09, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former fitness coach reveals the secret behind his longevity and explains why you should never partner with him in table tennis
Latest in Stories
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
Latest in News
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report