Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked widespread discussion on social media after his verified account was seen liking a post that described FIFA as “one of the most corrupt institutions on the planet.”
The post, shared by a journalist, criticised FIFA’s governance and decision-making, reigniting debate over the organisation’s role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo’s interaction with the post quickly drew attention online, with fans and commentators speculating about whether the football icon was endorsing the criticism directed at world football’s governing body.
The controversy comes after FIFA faced intense scrutiny throughout the World Cup and in the months leading up to the tournament’s final.
Spanish journalists Pilar Rodrigues Losantos and Ruben Amón discussed FIFA’s handling of the competition during an appearance on the television programme Espejo Público ahead of the World Cup final.
Rodrigues Losantos alleged that Argentina had benefited from favourable treatment during the tournament and claimed FIFA was determined to see Lionel Messi lift another World Cup trophy.
“Argentina is a team that should have been eliminated about five matches ago—thanks to the help of FIFA, one of the most corrupt institutions on the planet. Consequently, Argentina doesn’t scare me at all; what scares me is Infantino.
“I believe we won’t just be playing against Argentina, but against the entire FIFA institution, which wants to hand the World Cup to Messi, just as happened four years ago in Qatar,” she said.
Her colleague, Ruben Amón, also criticised FIFA, accusing the organisation of pricing ordinary supporters out of the game and describing its leadership in harsh terms.
“Ticket prices have turned what was once a sport for the masses into an experience reserved for the elite; football is a people’s sport that has ceased to be one.
“I consider FIFA to be an abject, mafia-like, and shameful organisation. Football survives despite the conduct of this disturbing body, and we will still enjoy the match, but not because of the conditions FIFA has imposed,” he said.
Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated from the tournament in the Round of 16 after losing to eventual champions Spain.
Spain went on to defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure the title.
Neither Ronaldo nor FIFA has publicly commented on the social media interaction or the claims made in the post liked by the Portuguese superstar.
