Lip-reader says Cristiano Ronaldo used expletive after shoving fan at Portugal team hotel

Cristiano Ronaldo was heard using an expletive after pushing a fan who breached security at Portugal’s team hotel, an investigative lip-reader has said.

Video posted on the social platform X shows a supporter getting past security and approaching the 40-year-old forward in what appeared to be a hotel lobby. The fan was pushed away by Ronaldo and a second supporter was stopped by security a few metres away; both were then escorted from the area.

Nicola Hickling, described as an investigative and forensic lip-reader, told the Fruity King website that she could make out Ronaldo’s words after the altercation. According to Hickling, Ronaldo first said, "I said no more. Leave!" and then, as he turned away, muttered what she interpreted as "I wish they'd f*** off."

The footage, shared by X user Sebas Crackbol, circulated widely online and prompted mixed reactions. Some users criticised Ronaldo’s behaviour, calling it "shameful" or saying it reflected poorly on the star. Others defended the player, arguing that fans should not invade a person’s personal space and praising his response to a security breach.

The incident occurred in the build-up to Portugal’s away match against Armenia. The episode did not appear to affect Ronaldo’s on-field form: he scored twice as Portugal won 5-0. He also scored a brace in a subsequent 3-2 victory over Hungary, taking his tally for the international break to four goals.

Ronaldo, who plays his club football for Al-Nassr, made his Portugal debut in 2003. He has 141 international goals in 223 appearances and has won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles with his country. His recent goals in qualifying took him level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz as the joint-highest scorer in World Cup qualifying history, with 39 goals.

Portugal officials did not immediately comment on the hotel incident. Security footage and the original video remain the primary sources discussed publicly, and Hickling’s analysis was cited by media outlets reporting the episode. The fans involved were removed by security at the scene.

Incidents involving high-profile players and members of the public have periodically drawn attention to security arrangements around national teams. In this case, the confrontation and the subsequent lip-reading analysis have renewed debate about privacy, fan behaviour and the responsibilities of both security personnel and elite athletes when encounters occur outside match settings.

Ronaldo’s club and national schedules continue as he seeks to add to his extensive list of records and achievements. The Portuguese Football Federation and Al-Nassr have not released further statements on the episode as of publication.