Cristiano Ronaldo was already under scrutiny before Portugal’s World Cup campaign began. His pre-tournament friendlies were not convincing, and some supporters argued the team might function better without him.
That remains disputed, because Ronaldo’s career has repeatedly punished anyone too quick to write him off. But the debate grew louder after Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo.
The 41-year-old striker played the full match without a shot on target, and the criticism quickly moved from performance analysis into meme territory. That is where a new nickname emerged.
Soccer fans start calling Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Homelando’
Some soccer fans on social media began calling Ronaldo “Homelando” after the DR Congo result.
The nickname builds on an existing comparison between the Portuguese superstar and Homelander, the villainous character played by Antony Starr in The Boys. The meme was already popular, but the nickname increased the buzz around it.
Ronaldo’s harshest critics use the comparison to accuse him of resembling the character’s worst traits, including ego, control and a sense that those around him are afraid to challenge him.
After the nickname spread, one fan on X wrote: “Homelando is an insane slur name.”
Cristiano Ronaldo still has time to change Portugal narrative
Ronaldo still has time to change the conversation.
Portugal have group games against Uzbekistan and Colombia, giving him chances to answer criticism quickly.
His career is built on moments when doubt has turned into a response, and that history is why writing him off remains dangerous.
A strong display in either World Cup match would alter the tone around him. Right now, the jokes are loud, but Ronaldo has made a career out of making those moments temporary.
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