Kylian Mbappe Puts Rivalry Aside, Shares Heartwarming Moment With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Family

• The bond between Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo transcends beyond the football pitch, as evidenced on Friday, July 5
• Mbappe, who faced Ronaldo in Hamburg, holds CR7 in high esteem and hopes to mimic the Portuguese's glistening career
• He demonstrated his admiration for his idol by sharing a heartwarming moment with his family before the France vs Portugal tie

Kylian Mbappe set aside sporting rivalry to share a heartwarming moment with Cristiano Ronaldo's family ahead of Friday night's blockbuster Portugal vs. France Euro 2024 quarter-final clash.

The French captain, who deeply admires Ronaldo and considers him a role model, took the opportunity to connect with his idol's family.

Mbappe bonds with Ronaldo's family

In a touching photo circulating on social media, sighted by Sports Brief, Mbappe is seen bonding with Ronaldo's entourage at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.

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Clad in France's cardigan, he was surrounded by Ronaldo's mother, Maria Dolores Aveiro, his sisters Elma dos Santos Aveiro and Katia Aveiro, and Cristiano's children.

The photo was taken before the much-anticipated last-eight tie between two pre-tournament favourites, both vying for a spot in the semi-finals.

Mbappe's France ends Ronaldo's Euro 2024 dreams

Despite the attacking talent on both sides, neither France nor Portugal managed to break the deadlock in 90 minutes, pushing the game into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.

According to CNN, Mbappe's Les Bleus emerged victorious over Ronaldo's Selecao in the shootout.

While CR7, who had experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the previous round, confidently scored his penalty, Joao Felix missed, with Diogo Costa unable to pull off any save this time around, the BBC reports.

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France converted all five of their spot-kicks to secure a 5-3 win on Friday night.

Portugal coach praises team despite defeat

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stated that his team lost with "pride" against France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday, pledging they would come back stronger, as reported by Sports Brief.

He praised their performance in Hamburg, where France avenged their 2016 final defeat with a 5-3 penalty triumph following a goalless draw after extra time.

"It was a performance that makes us look to the future with great pride," he said.