Jake O’Brien enjoyed an unexpected victory on Thursday night as the Republic of Ireland beat Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo left eating his words.
The Everton defender was one of four players in action for the Toffees for their respective international sides.
O’Brien was dropped in the last outing for Everton against Fulham after David Moyes chose to play James Garner at right-back.
However, he returned to his natural position at centre-back on Thursday evening at the Aviva Stadium.
Moyes was not overly impressed with O’Brien during the recent games against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.
But the defender enjoyed himself during his outing in Dublin for Ireland in their World Cup Qualifier against Ronaldo and his Portugal side.
Republic of Ireland v Portugal - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Everton’s Jake O’Brien enjoys last laugh over Cristiano Ronaldo
It has been made apparent that Moyes wants more from O’Brien when it comes to offering an attacking outlet for the Blues.
He came up against Ronaldo just weeks after the Portuguese forward celebrated right in front of his face.
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However, it was O’Brien who enjoyed the last laugh as Ireland secured a victory and Ronaldo was shown a straight red card.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent off against Republic of Ireland.
With Portugal 2-0 down, Ronaldo threw an elbow into Dara O'Shea — and received a yellow card, which was upgraded to a red after VAR looked at the incident. pic.twitter.com/VRf5QhWi1O
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 13, 2025
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Ronaldo was shown a straight red after being judged to have elbowed Dara O’Shea, following a VAR review.
Having kept a clean sheet, O’Brien showed some of his best form playing as the right-sided centre-back in a back three.
90 minutes played
7 clearances
4/4 aerial duels won
0x dribbled past
2 recoveries
O’Brien did not exactly receive much praise from the Irish media for his performances during the previous international break.
This time around, he will have enjoyed every single minute of the outing against Portugal and Ronaldo.
What Cristiano Ronaldo said ahead of Ireland clash
James Tarkowski has also aimed criticism at O’Brien earlier in the campaign as he continues to play out of position on the right.
Everton News understands that Everton are looking for a new full-back in the January transfer window.
But he was able to hold his own on Thursday against some quality opposition.
O’Brien’s previous clash with Ronaldo was brought up in the Al-Nassr forward’s pre-match press conference, where he addressed the issue.
“I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team, it’s lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again,” he said.
“Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”
Well, he wasn’t a ‘good boy’ and O’Brien will certainly have enjoyed seeing him make his way off the pitch early after being stunned by Ireland.