Everton striker Neal Maupay has responded to supporters’ hatred for Cristiano Ronaldo after he fell into tears during Portugal’s Euro 2024 match against Slovenia on July 1.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid great missed a penalty, forcing the game to a penalty shootout, and struggled to control his emotions during extra time.
However, Maupay defended him, stating that it was customary for the Al Nassr superstar to cry.
On July 2, he told talkSPORT that there is no shame in sobbing. Football fans want players to be ordinary people, which irritates me at times.
“They claim, ‘They are superstars, they don’t care about the world we live in. Then, when possibly the greatest player in football history cries on the pitch because he is emotional, everyone turns on him.
“I don’t really get that. It’s normal; he missed a penalty and may have assumed we’d be knocked out because of me.
“He cried, and I loved that personally, so I don’t really get the hate.”
Everton striker Neal Maupay spot on with his Cristiano Ronaldo assessment
The Toffees forward’s defence of the ex-Premier League attacker is spot on, and it’s encouraging to see that he can provide more than just criticism of players.
Maupay acknowledges that Ronaldo’s angry outburst is a human reaction to a stressful situation.
The Portuguese player’s tears express his love for the game and determination to do his best for his squad.
Maupay’s remarks underscore the double standards that are frequently imposed to professional athletes, who are expected to be superhuman in their ability and poise.
The Frenchman recognises the impact of professional athletics on mental and emotional health.
By supporting Ronaldo, Maupay is standing up for his teammates and fighting the high expectations placed on them. He is also encouraging fans to perceive athletes as human beings with feelings rather than emotionless machines.
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