The Wink That Shook a World Cup

The 2006 World Cup in Germany left one of the most unforgettable images in recent football history: Cristiano Ronaldo’s wink after the expulsion of Wayne Rooney in the quarter-final clash between England and Portugal. At the time, both were teammates at Manchester United, but the moment ignited the British press, which turned the Portuguese star into public enemy number one.

The decisive play came when Rooney stepped on Ricardo Carvalho, and Argentine referee Jorge Larrionda showed him a red card. Cameras captured Ronaldo speaking to the referee and then winking toward Portugal’s bench, a gesture widely interpreted as celebrating the dismissal.

Rooney Breaks the Silence on His Podcast

Almost two decades later, Rooney chose to clarify the incident on his own show, The Wayne Rooney Show. “I spoke to Cristiano right after the game in the tunnel and there was no issue at all. I just wished him luck for the semifinal,” the Englishman admitted, debunking the myth of a feud.

He even revealed an unexpected detail: “In the first half I tried to get him booked for diving. If I could have gotten him sent off, I would have. During the game we were rivals, but once it was over and we were back at United, it was done.”

A Partnership That Made History

Far from breaking apart, the relationship between Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo grew stronger after that episode. In their first match back with United, they dismantled Fulham 5-1, with Rooney scoring twice and assisting Ronaldo. That match marked the beginning of a partnership that inspired United to win three straight Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League, while Ronaldo went on to claim his first Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009, while Rooney stayed until 2017, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. Today, that infamous 2006 wink is no longer divisive: it stands as just another anecdote in one of football’s greatest partnerships.