Cristiano Ronaldo Honoured by Boyhood Club Sporting Lisbon Ahead of Euro Qualifier Against Iceland

• Cristiano Ronaldo was honoured by his former side, Sporting Lisbon, with a special kit
• He rose up through the youth ranks of the Portuguese side on the way to superstardom
• The Al-Nassr star captained Portugal as they took on Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo is always given a hero’s welcome when he returns to Portugal.

The national captain is beloved in his home country, especially among Sporting Lisbon fans. He made his name at the club before moving to Manchester United and is still revered by the club.

Sporting showed Ronaldo just how much he still means to the side as they paid tribute to him during Portugal’s latest Euro qualifier. Roberto Martinez’s side took on Iceland at the Estádio José Alvalade, the home of Sporting.

With the veteran captaining the national team, the club saw it only fit to pay tribute to him by presenting him with a new kit. The kit had his name on the back and the number 28, which he used while playing for the side.

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Ronaldo’s stats at Sporting

Having come through the youth ranks at the Portuguese side, Ronaldo eventually made it to the first team, where he only played 31 games before he was snapped up by The Red Devils, Transfermarkt noted.

He scored five goals and notched up six assists before he left.

He then was signed by the English Premier League side before making a big-money move to Real Madrid. No matter where he has gone, Ronaldo continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Sporting fans.

How Ronaldo reacted to Portugal's victory

Portugal secured a 2-0 victory against Iceland at home, concluding their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a flawless record of 10 consecutive wins in Group J.

Led by Ronaldo, the Selecao wrapped up their campaign with 30 points, a significant eight ahead of Slovakia, securing both teams' places in next year's finals in Germany.

Despite not scoring, Ronaldo expressed emotions on social media, celebrating Portugal's accomplishment of winning all their qualification matches, Sports Brief reported.