Portugal: the government pays a heartfelt tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

06.07.26 FT World Cup

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Spain

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On Monday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Defeated by Lamine Yamal's Spain (0-1), the Seleção exited the tournament, also putting an end to hopes of seeing Ronaldo clinch one last major world trophy. CR7 confirmed that this was his final World Cup appearance.

After the elimination, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro made a point of paying tribute to the national icon. In his words, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will remain a benchmark figure and a major symbol for the country: "He is the greatest reference in Portugal."

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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