FIFA has reportedly taken down its official World Cup poster following widespread backlash from fans over the absence of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The controversy erupted shortly after the governing body unveiled the promotional artwork, which featured a collage of several global football stars but did not include one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
The poster, designed to highlight the players expected to light up the upcoming World Cup, immediately drew criticism across social media. Fans from around the world questioned how one of football’s all-time greats, known for his record-breaking goal tally, longevity, and unmatched global influence, was left out of such a significant piece of tournament branding.
Images circulating online showed supporters expressing disbelief, with many arguing that Ronaldo’s omission was disrespectful, considering his impact on the competition over the past two decades. Within hours, comment sections and fan forums were flooded with reactions, memes, and posts demanding that FIFA reconsider the decision.
The backlash grew intense enough that the original poster was swiftly removed from official platforms, with a “photo no longer available” notice now appearing in its place. While FIFA has not yet issued a formal statement explaining the removal or clarifying whether a revised version will be released, the move indicates that the criticism was significant enough to prompt immediate action.
