Piotr Zielinski has responded defiantly to criticism over a photo he took with Cristiano Ronaldo following Poland’s 5-1 defeat to Portugal in the Nations League on Friday. Zielinski and his teammate Nicola Zalewski posed for a photo with Ronaldo after the heavy loss, sparking outrage from some quarters in Poland.
The match in Porto was a one-sided affair, with Ronaldo scoring twice as Portugal comfortably triumphed. Rafael Leao opened the scoring in the 59th minute, followed by goals from Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto. Dominik Marczuk’s late strike provided scant consolation for Poland, who now face a must-win game against Scotland on Monday to avoid relegation.
Following the match, Zielinski and Zalewski, both of whom play for top European clubs (Inter Milan and Roma, respectively), were seen posing for photographs with the Portuguese legend. The gesture prompted criticism from former Poland international Jacek Bak, who expressed his dismay on social media.
“It’s not my thing. Times used to be different,” Bak said. “We get thrashed 5-1, and then I see players asking Ronaldo for a picture? The guy who just tore us apart? Do we really have no honour left? Social media is king today, and the first to post a picture with Ronaldo is seen as the winner. It’s not the way to go.”
Bak made pointed remarks, urging coach Michal Probierz to take action. “It’s sad,” Bak added. “Today’s world is like that, but I guess I’m from a different era.”
However, Zielinski, who is temporarily captaining Poland in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, defended his actions. “Nicola and I approached him, asked for a photo, and took it,” Zielinski explained. “Neither Cristiano nor we had a problem with it. That’s all.”
The 29-year-old midfielder, who has represented Poland with distinction at international tournaments, emphasized that he was not concerned with social media reactions. “For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in football history. I felt like taking a picture, and I did. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Zielinski also addressed the criticism head-on: “We lost the match, but what should I do? Hide in a corner? I went up to him, asked for the picture, and that’s it. I don’t think there was anything wrong with it.”
Poland manager Michal Probierz sided with his players, noting that footballers are human beings with their own lives. “I always tell the players that if they feel like doing something before the match, take a picture before the match,” Probierz said. “The 90 minutes are key, but after the match, players are entitled to their moments. We failed today, but we know what we need to do going forward. These are young people living their lives.”
Zielinski’s response, alongside Probierz’s support, highlights the broader debate over modern football culture, where athletes’ personal moments can sometimes clash with fans’ expectations of professionalism in defeat.
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