Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed immense pride as Portugal’s U-17 team defeated Austria 1-0 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final to claim their first-ever title at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
The 40-year-old Portugal legend and Al-Nassr forward, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, took to Instagram to celebrate the young stars’ triumph, posting:
“Gigantes! Parabéns, Campeões do Mundo!” Which in English translation is “Giants! Congratulations, World Champions!”
Just days earlier, when the team reached the final, Ronaldo had rallied behind them with the message: “Congratulations, stars! Let’s go for it, keep believing!”
The victory echoes the same relentless spirit Ronaldo brought to Portugal’s senior team when they won their first major trophy at Euro 2016.
The decisive moment came in the 32nd minute when Benfica’s forward Anísio Cabral, a product of Sporting Lisbon’s academy, stayed marginally onside to meet a low cross and tap into an empty net.
Portugal remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having also edged past Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout in the semi-finals.
Mateus Mide was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, finishing with four goals and two assists in six games.
It was a historic night for Portuguese football and a proud one for its players.
