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Portugal pays tribute to Ronaldo against Denmark, without CR7's presence

Before hosting Denmark in the Nations League at Braga, Portugal celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo with shirts bearing the number 7, a tifo, and a minute of applause in the 7th minute — in the absence of the man himself.

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Portugal pays tribute to Ronaldo against Denmark, without CR7's presence
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Portugal paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo during their Nations League home match against Denmark at Braga, several weeks after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his international retirement. The tribute was sincere, but his absence gave the scene an unusual tone.

As the teams took to the pitch, all twenty-two Portuguese players — goalkeeper Diogo Costa included — wore shirts bearing the iconic number 7. The children accompanying the teams for the pre-match protocol also wore the iconic jersey. In the stands, a large tifo featuring the « Capitao » was unveiled, and the 7th minute was dedicated to a moment of applause in his honour.

The intention was clear: to honour the greatest goalscorer in Seleçao history, who scored 146 goals in 234 appearances, and to turn the page on the saga that had dominated the previous gathering, at the end of which Ronaldo announced his international retirement.

Comparison with the tribute paid to Lionel Messi during his final appearance with Argentina was inevitable, however. There, the star was present to experience the moment. At Braga, the main subject was absent, which diminished some of the expected emotion. It remains to be seen whether a proper ceremony, with Ronaldo himself, will complete these unfinished farewells.

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