Former Portugal international Luis Nani has paid an emotional tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the legendary forward’s announcement of his retirement from international football, describing his former teammate as the best player of all time.
Nani, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo for both Portugal and Manchester United, praised the 41-year-old for his remarkable influence on Portuguese football, saying his achievements inspired an entire generation to believe in their country’s ability to compete with the world’s best.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account on Thursday, November 5, the former winger expressed pride in being part of Ronaldo’s international journey, acknowledging the impact the Al-Nassr forward had on his teammates and millions of Portuguese supporters.
“You inspired us all and made us believe that, as Portuguese, we could be the best in the world. You made us feel proud of ourselves, as a people and as a national team,” Nani wrote.
The former Manchester United winger went further to describe Ronaldo as more than an exceptional footballer, highlighting his importance as a role model and a symbol of national pride.
“To me, you’re the best of all time, not just for the player you were and for everything you gave to our national team, but also for what you represented to all of us,” he added.
Nani also acknowledged that their relationship was not always without disagreements, but insisted that the experiences they shared throughout their careers contributed to their personal and professional development.
He concluded his tribute by thanking Ronaldo for his leadership, sacrifices and extraordinary contributions to Portuguese football, expressing confidence that his achievements would never be forgotten.
“For all of that, I can only say: thank you so much, Captain! What you did for Portugal and for all of us will never be forgotten,” he said.
The tribute comes after Ronaldo announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal that began with his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003.
During that period, Ronaldo established himself as the country’s greatest goalscorer and most-capped player, recording 146 goals in 234 appearances for the national team.
His influence extended beyond individual statistics, as he captained Portugal to its first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship, defeating France 1-0 in the final.
Although Ronaldo suffered an injury during the final and was forced off in the first half, he continued encouraging his teammates from the touchline as Portugal secured a historic victory in extra time.
He later added two UEFA Nations League titles to his international honours, helping Portugal win the competition in 2019 and 2025.
Nani was also part of Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph, forming an important attacking partnership with Ronaldo throughout the tournament. Their understanding on the pitch and shared experiences made them two of the most recognisable figures in a successful generation of Portuguese footballers.
At club level, the pair also enjoyed considerable success together at Manchester United, winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League during their time at Old Trafford.
Their relationship reflects a significant period in Portuguese football, when a generation of talented players helped transform the national team into a consistent contender for major international honours.
Ronaldo’s retirement has continued to attract tributes from former teammates, football personalities and organisations, with many recognising the extraordinary influence he had on the game over more than two decades.
The Portuguese Football Federation has also promised to organise a special farewell ceremony in his honour, providing supporters with an opportunity to celebrate his achievements and contribution to the national team.
While Ronaldo’s international journey has come to an end, Nani’s emotional message captures the admiration of those who shared the dressing room with him and witnessed his dedication at close quarters.
For a player who inspired millions through his performances, records and determination, the tributes serve as another reminder of the lasting legacy he leaves behind in Portuguese and world football.
