“How Can You Lock Off a Whole Airport?” - Craig Bellamy Recalls Coolest Cristiano Ronaldo Moment He Witnessed Ahead of Nations League Face-Off
Bellamy says a chance encounter showed Ronaldo is beyond a superstar as Wales prepare to face the 41-year-old forward in Nations League A.
- Wales manager Craig Bellamy will lead his squad against Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales kicks off their Nations League campaign in Portugal on Thursday night. The match pits Bellamy against the 233-cap international who remains a dominant figure in world football.
- Now in his 24th year as a senior international, the 41-year Portuguese legend holds five Ballon d'Or wins and five Champions Leagues titles. His enduring elite performance continues to impress opponents, including Bellamy.
- Bellamy recalled a past trip to Lisbon where police locked down the airport to escort the icon. "So we got to the airport and the police were everywhere," Bellamy said, describing the player as "beyond a superstar."
- Facing a challenging start to the Nations League, Bellamy will manage his side without key players including Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon. Despite these absences, he has urged his squad to fight and upset the odds against Portugal.
- Ronaldo recently confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament. As he prepares to face Wales, the forward remains focused on maintaining his elite level while navigating uncertainty surrounding his future.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The striker couldn't score in Jorge Jesus' debut, while João Félix scored the only goal for Portugal to win 1-0 to Wales
Cristiano Ronaldo only played for 68 minutes when Portugal beat Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Friday (25/9/2026).
[Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Seong-won] Portugal's 'living legend' Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr) officially confirmed that it was his 'last dance' after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. However, this did not mean his retirement from the national team. He did not rule out participating in Euro 2028. He said, "I played for the Portuguese national team for 23 years and won three titles. Before that, Portugal h…
Note 6 for Donatas Rumsa, referee of the game Portugal-Country of Wales. Pedro Henriques highlights the goal well annulled to Ronaldo by VAR and the failure to save the yellow to Sheehan at the beginning.
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