Gavi backs Ronaldo, calls him 'one of the best players in history' ahead of Spain clash

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has thrown his support behind Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Spain, insisting the veteran forward commands immense respect from those who have played alongside him despite frequent criticism from fans.

Speaking before the knockout encounter, Gavi said Ronaldo remains one of football’s all-time greats and is capable of changing a game in an instant.

“I always hear that, but from people who are not on his team, from fans. Those who are on his team will have magnificent respect for him. Obviously, Cristiano is one of the best players in history, and he can make the difference at any moment,” the Barcelona midfielder stated as per Goal.com.

Ronaldo heads into the Spain clash after creating multiple World Cup records during Portugal’s Round of 32 victory over Croatia. The 41-year-old became the first player in history to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at the age of 41 or older.

The contest also marked the first World Cup match to feature two outfield players aged 40 or above, with Ronaldo lining up against his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric.

Ronaldo also became the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout history at 41 years and 147 days, scoring his maiden knockout-stage goal in the competition.

Portugal had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, where Ronaldo failed to score and faced criticism for his display. However, he responded emphatically in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, netting twice while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also got on the scoresheet.

The brace saw Ronaldo become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 10 goals, overtaking the legendary Eusebio’s tally of nine. Pauleta remains third on Portugal’s World Cup scoring chart with four goals.

Ronaldo also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, ending a 10-match goal drought across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.