New Delhi: Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to winning awards as evidenced by him being a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He has now added another feather to his already full cap as the Portuguese superstar was awarded the prestigious Platinum Quinas at the Quinas de Ouro gala, hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). The gala was attended by Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, and FPF President, Fernando Gomes, marking a high-profile event in Portuguese sports.
The Platinum Quinas is a special recognition that acknowledges Ronaldo’s enduring contributions to Portuguese football, including his record-breaking goal-scoring and leadership. Ronaldo’s international career has been nothing short of legendary. With 133 goals in 216 appearances for Portugal, he is the highest goal-scorer in international football history. His influence extends beyond scoring, as he has captained the Portuguese team to 2016 UEFA Euro and the 2019 UEFA Nations League triumphs.
These accomplishments have etched his name into Portuguese football history, and his recent Platinum Quinas award further cements his legacy. Reflecting on his journey with Portugal, Ronaldo shared his pride in receiving this honor, calling it a significant moment in his career. “It is an honor to receive this trophy. I see it as a beginning. Thank you to the FPF for this award, marking a long journey filled with hard work,” he said.
O capitão 🫡🇵🇹 #QuinasDeOuro2024 pic.twitter.com/nNSGHhHxWq
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 12, 2024
Ronaldo spoke about his journey from earning his first cap at 18, to pushing for new milestones—25, 50, 100, and eventually surpassing 200 caps. His dedication to Portugal’s national team has been relentless, and even at the ripe old age of 39, he remains determined to contribute to its success. He is still in brilliant physical shape and remains dedicated to being fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As Ronaldo reflected on his career, he concluded with a sentiment that speaks to his commitment to Portugal and his hopes for the future: “At 18, my dream was to earn my first cap… and then I started thinking about 150, 200, and it’s a tremendous feeling.” Even after two decades, Ronaldo’s passion for representing his country remains as strong as ever, and his story continues to inspire both fans and players worldwide.
Still Going Strong at Club Level
Beyond his national team endeavors, Ronaldo still remains a formidable presence in club football. Playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, he recently scored in a 5-1 win over defending champions Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League. Al-Nassr currently sits third in the league standings, with Ronaldo’s contributions proving vital to their competitive edge. Although Al-Nassr trails local rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, who maintain an undefeated record, Ronaldo’s form has been promising as he’s netted six goals so far this season after leading the league in scoring last year.
The Portuguese International is single-handedly responsible for creating the boom of footballers that the Saudi Arabian market has seen. It was his move Al-Nassr that attracted other big names like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane and others to the league as well. While he hasn’t had much success in terms of silverware with his club, only winning the Arab Club Champions Cup last season, his prolific form has continued across the continent as well. He scored a whopping 50 goals for the club last season and has already scored 68 goals in just 79 goals for the club.
Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be addicted to awards and accolades wherever he goes and has now added another feather to his cap. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
