According to Elma, Ronaldo gave critics difficult day. She said Portugal only need pass ball to 41-year-old striker to solve all problems, demanded everyone respect brother as legend.

"Where are parrots, those saying Cristiano old, useless, redundant? What about hypocrites? What will they say?", Elma wrote. "Want to see faces of those lovely commentators. Brother will shut you all up, shut up those thinking they are smart."

Ronaldo poses with eldest sister Elma (third from left) and second sister Katia (far right) at personal gym in 2020.

Ronaldo poses with eldest sister Elma (third from left) and second sister Katia (far right) at personal gym in 2020.

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Katia, Ronaldo's second sister, accused critics of wanting to humiliate, hurt, deny contribution and ability to maintain form of brother. She said recent match was usual response without need for eloquent speeches from Ronaldo.

"Brother reminded why he is legend, eternal giant, deserves to be here. 23 years breaking all barriers," Katia added.

Katia is most active family member using social media to defend Ronaldo. In August 2022, she called Real President Florentino Perez "old man" when he publicly refused to re-sign Ronaldo. In December 2022, after watching Argentina win and Portugal get eliminated in quarterfinals, Katia called World Cup 2022 worst in history. She also mocked Ronaldo's rivals like Gerard Pique, Luka Modric, Virgil van Dijk, and former club Juventus.

Girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez also showed support for Ronaldo. She posted photo of herself wearing Portugal shirt, standing next to TV showing boyfriend celebrating opening goal against Uzbekistan.

Rodriguez takes photo while watching Ronaldo play in Portugal's win against Uzbekistan.

Rodriguez takes photo while watching Ronaldo play in Portugal's win against Uzbekistan.

Last week, after opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Ronaldo faced much criticism. He played full match but only had 25 touches, zero shots on target, including situation greedy to shoot instead of letting ball run to Bruno Fernandes in better position. Many argued Ronaldo no longer sharp, should sit on bench, only sub in at specific times.

However, in second match night of June 23, Ronaldo shone with brace helping Portugal crush Uzbekistan 5-0. He scored opener in 6th minute from Joao Cancelo's cross. In 39th minute, CR7 received Bruno Fernandes's through ball, beat offside trap, shot low into corner, making it 3-0. This is Ronaldo's 10th goal at World Cups, passing legend Eusebio to become Portugal's top scorer in tournament. He also set record for scoring in most World Cups, with six editions from 2006 to 2026.

Cristiano Ronaldo (number 7) makes it 3-0 in Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match, Group K World Cup 2026, Houston, US, June 23. Photo: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo (number 7) scores to make it 3-0 in Portugal's win against Uzbekistan, Group K World Cup 2026, Houston, US, June 23. Photo: AP

Ronaldo played for Portugal since 2003, helped team win first three titles in history: Euro 2016, Nations League 2019, 2025. He holds two national team records: appearances (230) and goals (145). Including club level, CR7 holds record with 975 goals.

Portugal have four points after first two Group K matches. If they beat Colombia on June 27, Ronaldo and teammates advance as group winners. In round of 16, they will face one of five third-placed teams from groups D, E, I, J, L.

Ronaldo opened scoring in Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match, Group J World Cup 2026, night of June 23.

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes still sees Cristiano Ronaldo as key anchor for Portugal attack, happy senior teammate scored to ease pressure at World Cup 2026. 89

Portugal coach: 'Ronaldo is reference point in attack system'

Portugal coach: 'Ronaldo is reference point in attack system'

Coach Roberto Martinez praised Cristiano Ronaldo not only for shining with goals but also playing key role in entire Portugal attack structure. 64