Portugal’s Minister of Economy, Manuel Castro Almeida, has said Cristiano Ronaldo has played such a significant role in promoting the country globally that many people know Portugal because of the football star.
According to Almeida, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is the most famous person in Portugal and remains a major asset to the country’s global image.
His comments come amid controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s recent departure from the Portugal national team’s training camp following tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Speaking about Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal, Almeida said the 41-year-old has a major impact on the country’s international reputation.
“Many people only know Portugal because of Cristiano Ronaldo,” the minister said.
He added that Portugal should continue to benefit from Ronaldo’s global profile, describing him as a valuable asset for the country’s image and reputation.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has an enormous impact on the projection and enhancement of the Portugal brand. He is the most famous person in Portugal; many people only know Portugal thanks to him,” Almeida said.
The minister, however, said he was not an expert on the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus and did not seek to determine who was right in the dispute.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in September after being left on the bench throughout the team’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway. The development followed discussions between the forward and Jesus, who had earlier denied that there was a serious rift between them.
Ronaldo subsequently announced that he had left the camp and said he would explain his reasons “in time.” His international future became uncertain following the incident, although Jesus later said the door remained open for the forward to return.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in their Nations League match, with the result keeping them at the top of their group and securing their place in the quarter-finals.
