Gonçalo Ramos deletes Instagram story targeting Ronaldo after Portugal-Norway

Gonçalo Ramos had to delete a controversial Instagram story after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday evening in the Nations League. The striker had shared a post that indirectly challenged Cristiano Ronaldo’s status within the Seleção, triggering a flood of reactions from CR7 supporters.

Starting up front in place of Ronaldo — who has been absent from the squad since Wednesday following a conflict with head coach Jorge Jesus — Ramos played a decisive role by scoring the winning goal. Following the match, he shared on Instagram a statement from Portuguese commentator Luis Freitas Lobo: “Gonçalo Ramos is today the best centre-forward in our football. The playing standard and natural choice for this position outweigh the simple status of a ‘brand’ (that of CR7) however great it may be on a global scale!” The former Paris Saint-Germain player accompanied this share with the message: “The status of the best!”

By relaying these comments, the former Benfica player appeared to validate criticism over the place that continues to be occupied by the 41-year-old Ronaldo in the national team. The reaction from fans of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was immediate and virulent, forcing Ramos to remove the story just hours after posting it.

This episode comes in an already tense context surrounding the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo’s premature departure during the squad gathering, amid disagreement with Jorge Jesus, had already fuelled speculation about his international future. The victory without him against Norway, sealed by a goal from his direct replacement, has only intensified debate over the composition of the Portuguese attack.