FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Bruno Fernandes and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus have paid emotional tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement.
Jesus revealed that he wanted Ronaldo to continue playing alongside him, while Fernandes described the opportunity to play with his childhood idol as a privilege.
Cristiano announced his retirement from Portugal nation team at the early hours of today, marking over 2 decades of excellent football dominance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Portugal manager Jorge Jesus have joined the growing tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement from international football.
The three football figures praised the 40-year-old’s achievements, leadership and influence, with Jesus admitting that he wanted the legendary forward to continue representing Portugal.
Infantino praises Ronaldo’s lasting legacy
Infantino described Ronaldo as one of football’s most influential figures, highlighting how the Portuguese captain inspired generations and brought supporters together across the world.
The FIFA president also stressed that Ronaldo’s contribution to football goes beyond his impressive collection of goals, trophies and individual records.
In his tribute, shared by Fabrizio Romano on X, Infantino said:
“Few players have ever touched the hearts of football fans around the world quite like Cristiano Ronaldo.
He has inspired generations, united millions of fans and carried the hopes and pride of Portugal onto the world’s biggest stages.
His greatest legacy goes far beyond records, trophies and goals.
Thank you, Cristiano, for the passion, the unforgettable moments and the incredible contribution you have made to our beautiful game.
Your international career will FOREVER be part of football’s history.”
Jorge Jesus admits he wanted Ronaldo to continue
Jesus also shared an emotional message, describing Ronaldo as a global football icon and an important example for upcoming Portuguese players.
The manager revealed that he had placed a large photograph of the former Portugal captain in the team’s auditorium so that young players could look up to him every day.
He also disclosed that he personally wanted Ronaldo to remain in the national team because of the experience and influence he brought to the squad.
Jesus said:
“Cristiano is a GLOBAL ICON, an example for Portugal and the national team.
I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so that all the young players could look up to him every single day.
I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side… but I have to accept his decision.
He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football.”
Bruno Fernandes remembers his childhood idol
Fernandes, who shared the Portugal dressing room with Ronaldo, also expressed gratitude to the legendary forward.
The Manchester United midfielder described playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a special experience, recalling how he grew up admiring him.
In his message shared by Fabrizio Romano, Fernandes wrote:
“Thank you for the inspiration. It was a privilege to be able to share great moments for our selection with my childhood idol.”
Ronaldo’s international career has been remarkable, spanning more than two decades with Portugal. He captained the country to the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Meanwhile, Newsflashngr had earlier reported that the Portuguese football captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years with the national team, bringing an end to a remarkable career in which he became the highest-scoring and most-capped male international player in football history.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement in an emotional message shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, 5 November 2026, confirming that he would hand over Portugal’s famous number seven shirt after the November international break. Continue reading here.
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