Braga, November 15 (Yes Punjab News)
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) paid a special tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo before and during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at the Braga Municipal Stadium, celebrating the legendary forward’s contribution to the national team.
Earlier this month, Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable career. The 41-year-old finished with 234 senior appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, both world records in men’s international football.
The tribute featured four distinct moments involving players and supporters, highlighting Ronaldo’s career, leadership and legacy. It began outside the stadium, where fans were invited to leave messages of gratitude for the former captain.
A key moment came as the teams entered the field. Portugal’s starting players and their young companions wore specially designed shirts featuring the number 7, dedicated to Ronaldo.
The FPF also announced that, beginning with the match against Denmark, the national team’s No. 7 jersey would feature a redesigned number. The previous design, associated with Ronaldo, would be preserved to honour his legacy.
“This is yet another way to immortalise the meaning of such a special number and honour the legacy it represents,” the federation said in a statement.
In the stands, supporters formed a giant display spelling out ‘Ronaldo’ in the upper tier and ‘GOAT’ (Greatest Of All Time) in the lower tier. Cardboard cutouts raised simultaneously created a stadium-wide mosaic, complemented by a large banner reading “Thank you, Captain!”
The tribute continued in the seventh minute, when the same message appeared on the stadium’s giant screens and platform, prompting applause from the crowd.
The federation also displayed messages of appreciation shared by Portuguese fans on Instagram through the national team’s social media channels. The messages appeared in the stands throughout the match, with the display paused in the seventh minute for the special tribute.
Ronaldo also holds the record for scoring at six FIFA World Cup tournaments. He found the net at Germany 2006 as a 21-year-old and added three goals at the 2026 tournament in North America, taking his World Cup tally to 11.
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