Cristiano Ronaldo is facing criticism after posting a picture alongside “friend” and controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson.
The Canadian has gained widespread notoriety over the past decade for a number of his divisive views. Peterson has previously described himself as a ‘professor against political correctness’, with particularly strong views on masculinity in the modern sphere.
The 60-year-old has previously argued that there is an ongoing “crisis of masculinity” and that the “masculine spirit is under assault”. He became a prominent figure in the United Kingdom after a 2018 interview with Channel 4 where he debated the existence of the gender pay gap.
Earlier this year Peterson was suspended from Twitter under the social media site’s “hateful conduct” policy after misgendering and dead naming actor Elliot Page. The author told his nearly-three million followers that he was asked to delete the post, claiming he “would rather die than do that.”
Peterson also used his large platform and fanbase to rally against lockdowns and mandates amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While vaccinated himself, he has angrily responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the lengthy policies put in place following the initial release of vaccinations.
“These mandates bring out the petty authoritarian in everyone tasked with enforcing them,” he said last year. Before telling him “you’d have to kill me” before he received a booster jab over the Christmas period in 2021.
Despite that controversy, Ronaldo posted an image on Instagram alongside Peterson with the caption: “Nice to see you my friend! #Seeyousoon.” Peterson replied to the post - which has been liked almost six million times in 24 hours - saying: “I’ve rarely met anyone who more clearly deserved what they earned. Good to meet you.”
The post has sparked some negative reactions however, with one fan suggesting it has ‘tarnished his legacy’, with a second posting: “Why is anyone even slightly surprised that someone as entitled as him thinks Peterson is great.”
The Manchester United superstar’s post was his first since paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her passing, aged 96. The Queen passed away at her Balmoral residence on Thursday night, with Ronaldo paying his own respect.
“Seven years of my career were played in the Premier League, making this my 8th season living in England,” he said. “Throughout these years, I’ve felt the everlasting love of the UK for it’s Queen, and how important Her Majesty was and will forever be to the British people.
“I pay my respect to her memory and I mourn this irreplaceable loss with the country that I’ve learned to call home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.”
Ronaldo is set to be back in action later this week when United travel to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in their second Europa League group game. The 37-year-old, who has found himself relegated to the bench in the Premier League, started against Real Sociedad and struggled to make an impact during the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
