Watch: Ronaldo appears uncomfortable after exchange with Infantino
The FIFA President wished the Portuguese legend well in his quest for 1000 career goals
Dubai: An exchange between Cristiano Ronaldo and FIFA president Gianna Infantino during the Esports World Cup in Paris has caught the attention of sports fans online.
Although the brief meeting between the pair looked pleasant with Infantino offering his best wishes to Ronaldo as the forward chases his 1,000th career goal, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked visibly uncomfortable as he walked away.
Ronaldo greeted Infantino by asking, “How are you?” Infantino replied with a reference to his pursuit of 1,000 career goals: “23 goals remaining? Good luck!,” said the FIFA president.
It was Ronaldo’s gestures and facial expression as he walked away from Infantino that has generated divided opinions among fans, despite the good relationship both demonstrated in past encounters.
Infantino in hot water
The meeting came at a challenging time for Infantino and FIFA, with several confederations reportedly calling for the FIFA president to be removed from his position.
Infantino is facing growing pressure after FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors triggered a major backlash from UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF.
Infantino is facing growing pressure after FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors triggered a major backlash from UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF.
Six Nordic associations also declared they had lost confidence in his leadership, adding further pressure as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027.
