The Portugal vs. Ireland match witnessed a rare incident, as Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty kick for the Sailors in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In the 74th minute, with the score tied at 0-0, Ronaldo took a penalty kick that could have given Roberto Martinez’s side the lead.
However, the Portuguese unleashed a powerful shot into the middle of the goal, and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher successfully saved it with his foot, despite the goalkeeper diving to the right.
Kelleher is perhaps one of the most prolific goalkeepers at saving penalties. His last three penalties were against Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, and two weeks ago against Bruno Fernandes, two of the best penalty takers in the world.
⚽️❌ ركلة جزاء لرونالدو… وكيليهير يتصدى لها ببراعة!#الطريق_إلى_كأس_العالم2026 | #تصفيات_كأس_العالم#FIFAWorldCup2026 | #EuropeanQualifiers pic.twitter.com/1rRw0kdmi9
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 11, 2025
This is Ronaldo’s 34th missed penalty kick in his career with various clubs and the Portuguese national team. His last missed penalty was last May in the match between Al-Nassr and Al-Khaleej.
Fortunately for Ronaldo, Ruben Neves scored the winning goal in the last minute for Portugal, which moved them to nine points and within striking distance of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
