World Cup 2022: India’s Virat Kohli Pays Tribute to Portuguese Star

• Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup
• Numerous sporting personalities took to social media to console Ronaldo after the defeat
• Indian cricket great Virat Kohli hailed Ronaldo as the greatest of all time in a special post

Cristiano Ronaldo's popularity transcends all sports.

The Portuguese star is so widely respected and loved, that it's not just footballers who look up to him.

This was evident after Portugal were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup by Morocco, and photos surfaced of Ronaldo breaking down in tears. Many superstars paid tribute to the veteran following the defeat, including from Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli.

The former India national team captain took to social media to lend support to the football superstar, labelling him as the 'greatest of all time', Cricket Times reported.

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“No trophy or any title can take anything away from what you’ve done in this sport, and for sports fans around the world. No title can explain the impact you’ve had on people, and what I and so many around the world feel when we watch you play. That’s a gift from god,” part of Kohli's message read.

Ronaldo has won the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, but has never lifted the World Cup. He has most likely played in his last tournament.

The veteran striker will be 41 when the next tournament is held in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

Morocco players console emotional Ronaldo

Sports Brief also reported on Morocco players consoling Ronaldo, after Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

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Video footage emerged shortly afterwards, showing members of the Atlas Lions approaching the veteran after the final whistle to pay their respects and commiserations.

Ronaldo was brought on in the second half but despite two shots on target, was unable to help the Selecao overcome the North Africans.

Ronaldo reveals why he cried

Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo speaking about World Cup heartbreak, after Portugal were eliminated by surprise package Morocco.

The veteran took to social media to share his thoughts, as many of his national teammates had also done in the wake of the shock loss.

He also spoke about the emotion of the moment and revealed more about his plans for the international future.