Real Madrid star Rodrygo describes Cristiano Ronaldo in one word after dramatic Portugal win despite latter’s missed penalty in Euro 2024 clash
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo left a comment on Instagram describing Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as a 'legend' after his recent Euro 2024 win. The comment came after the Los Blancos icon led his nation to the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday (July 1).
Ronaldo is a Real Madrid icon, spending nine glorious years with the club that saw him win four Champions League titles. He is the all-time leading goal scorer for the legendary Spanish club, with 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games.
Now 39 and playing at a record-sixth European Championships, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key part of Portugal's setup. He guided his nation to glory at Euro 2016 and will be keen to do so again at Euro 2024. Ronaldo is his nation's and men's international football's highest goalscorer with 130 goals and 47 assists in 211 appearances.
Following Portugal's win Ronaldo took to Instagram to celebrate his side's progress to the quarter-finals. He wrote:
"Inexplicable moments. Let's give it our all! Thank you, 🇵🇹." (translated)
Rodrygo responded in the comments section:
"LENDA (legend)."
The legendary striker will hope he can lead his nation to glory again in the Euros, with three matches between him and the trophy at Euro 2024. Ronaldo will first have to get past France in Hamburg on July 5 in a rematch of the 2016 final.
Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo recovers from penalty miss to help Portugal in shootout win
The Real Madrid icon recovered from an extra-time penalty miss to step up and help Portugal dispatch Slovenia in the Round of 16 penalty shootout of Euro 2024. The legendary striker had a poor match but showed great composure to put his troubles aside the second time he headed to the penalty spot.
The Portuguese had the lion's share of possession on the night but could not find a way past Jan Oblak in the Slovenia goal. The Selecao took 20 shots in the game, with six being on target but the Atletico Madrid shot-stopper was up to the task.
Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to score from the spot after Diogo Jota was brought down in the box in the 105th minute but Oblak thwarted his effort. The miss would see the game head to the lottery of penalty shootouts, where Ronaldo would step up first to bury his penalty.
The Real Madrid legend's effort would signal a change in fortune for Portugal, who went on to win the shootout 3-0.