Cameras caught the heartwarming moment when Cristiano Ronaldo helped a disabled child onto the pitch before Portugal’s final Euro 2024 warm-up clash.
The Al-Nassr star was named in the starting line-up for their match against Ireland on Tuesday evening as they step up their preparations for this summer’s tournament.
While many had been expected Ronaldo to make headlines during the game, it was actually his actions prior to the match which caught attention.
In a clip posted onto X, Ronaldo was seen helping a disabled mascot – who was in a wheelchair – onto the pitch for the game at the Estadio Municipal de Aveiro.
Then, in a separate clip posted onto the social media platform, Ronaldo was seen holding her hand throughout Portugal’s national anthem.
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Cristiano Ronaldo helped a disabled mascot onto the pitch before his side’s clash with Ireland
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The Al-Nassr star was then seen holding the hand of the mascot during the national anthem
His pre-match actions must have served as good luck for their clash against Ireland after he found the back of the net in the second-half with a tremendous strike.
The 39-year-old collected the ball on the right side before cutting in and unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner of the Ireland goal.
He then doubled his tally for the evening by scoring another left-footed effort, which sailed into the top-right corner after the veteran was picked out inside the box.
Earlier in the game, Ronaldo had struck the post with a long-range free-kick that had looked destined to nestle in the back of the net.
In recent days, some have questioned whether Ronaldo should be included in Portugal’s opening group games in Germany this summer – with Arsenal legend Paul Merson stating that he would bench the five-time Champions League winner for the group stages.
But, speaking ahead of their clash against Ireland, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez insisted the veteran forward remains in his plans.
‘Tomorrow we have Rúben [Dias], Pepe and Cristiano. It’s a perfect game to give minutes to the starters, but they will have minutes,’ the Portugal boss said during a press conference on Monday.
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Ronaldo scored twice in the second-half including a stunning long-range effort
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There have been debates as to whether Ronaldo should feature in Portugal’s starting line-up
Ronaldo has also been in fine form for his club side this season, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Martinez emphasised his experience and leadership qualities are integral to this team.
‘It is important for us to attack and defend with eleven. Cristiano has brutal experience. There is no other with this experience. He is a player who knows very well how to use space in the area and is a special finisher, a special player.
‘Cristiano’s focus, reaction to loss and defensive positions were perfect during the games we played, the last eleven games. So for me, there are no doubts, there are no worries.’
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