Euro 2024: Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during national anthem? Reason behind decision explained
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is always seen standing sideways when his country's national anthem is played before a game. The same was on display during the Selecao's Euro 2024 game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, June 18.
Ronaldo reportedly faces the Portugal flag during the national anthem as a show of respect for his motherland. Throughout the years, he has been doing so and fans have been curious to know the reason.
Being the captain of the team, Ronaldo usually stands beside the goalkeeper as the last player in the line. Even in the earlier days of his career, when Luis Figo was the captain of the national team, Ronaldo used to stand last on the opposite end.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been Portugal's captain since July 2008 and has stood beside goalkeepers like Eduardo, Rui Patricio, Beto, and now Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo and company started their Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 comeback win against the Czechs. Although the 39-year-old didn't get on the scoresheet, he had a decent performance and looked dangerous.
Lukas Provod scored a stunning goal (62') to hand the Czech Republic the lead against the run of play. An own goal from Robin Hranac (69') and an injury-time winner from Francisco Cenceico (90+2') sealed the win for Portugal.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reaches unique milestone in Euro 2024 clash against the Czech Republic
Cristiano Ronaldo keeps smashing the record books even at the age of 39. He has become the first player in the history of football to play 1,00,000 minutes after playing the full game against the Czech Republic.
This is also Ronaldo's record-extending sixth European championship. He made his Euro debut in 2004, with Portugal finishing runners-up. Ronaldo is also the highest goalscorer in Euro history with 14 goals.
Portugal, meanwhile, have gotten off to a winning start and will next face Turkey on Saturday, June 22. The Crescent-Stars started their Euro 2024 campaign with a stellar 3-1 win against Georgia on Tuesday.