Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Portuguese Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the Platinum Quinas at the Quinas De Ouro gala organized by the Portugal Football Federation. Ronaldo is the highest goal-scorer in international football history with 133 goals in 213 appearances as he also led the Portuguese team to the Euro Cup in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League title in 2019.
The 39-year-old was awarded the prestigious trophy for his accomplishments with the national team over the years. Portugal Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was in attendance alongside Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Fernando Gomes.
Ronaldo took to the stage and recalled his journey from winning his first international cap, at the age of 18, to reaching 200 caps.
“I am proud to receive this trophy. I see this as a start. Thank you to FPF for this award, a long journey that I have done with a lot of work. At the age of 18, my dream was to make my first international appearance. I went to 25, 50 and why not 100? A round number, three digits and then I started thinking about 150, 200 and it’s a great feeling”, said Ronaldo, who currently has 216 caps and 133 goals for the national team.
He then praised Portugal, “a great country, regardless of size”.
“We have everything: stadiums, magnificent coaches, potential in these players and the stars we have. Not just in football, but in other sports. Fernando Gomes is the best president we’ve ever had”, he concluded.
The gala began with a tribute to former international Pepe, who ended his career in August, after his journey with the team (141 caps) and at FC Porto, which he captained for many years.
“[Portugal] changed my life. I always tried to do my best and tried to repay all the people’s affection. I was able to honour the principles of Portugal, a humble and hard-working people. I wasn’t so perfect, but I did it with my heart and with all the strength I had”, he said.
