Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo’s trip to Israel for the 2014 World Cup qualification received mixed reactions, particularly from his detractors. While some saw it as good publicity for Israel, others criticized Ronaldo for what they perceived as a lack of courtesy towards the Israeli players.
The controversy began when Ronaldo posted a photo on his Twitter account with the caption: “a great moment with my teammates. We had time to laugh, play, relax and talk strategy.” Palestinian critics argued that Ronaldo should not have expressed such enjoyment in Israel, especially considering that his wife, Irina Shayk, is Muslim.
On the Israeli side, Ronaldo faced criticism for not exchanging jerseys with an Israeli player after the match, leading to speculation about his sentiments towards the country. A controversial video surfaced, showing Ronaldo heading towards the locker room with his jersey. The incident sparked discussions beyond the sporting context, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity surrounding such high-profile international events.
