Conor McGregor and Sadio Mane were amongst the sports stars sending messages of encouragement to Cristiano Ronaldo after he broke down in tears during Portugal’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Slovenia.
Portugal wasted a golden chance to take the lead in the last-16 tie during extra time as Ronaldo’s penalty was agonisingly saved by Jan Oblak.
Ronaldo was unable to keep his emotions in check after being denied a first goal at Euro 2024 and burst into tears as the first half of extra time ended.
Several team-mates rallied around the 39-year-old, while his mother, Maria, also sobbed in the stands while being unable to help.
The emotional scenes produced an outcrying of support for the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend as fans encouraged him to continue with Portugal’s European Championship future at stake.
Several sports stars sent messages of encouragement to Cristiano Ronaldo after he broke down in tears during Portugal’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Slovenia
The Portugal captain wept after he missed a penalty in extra time against Slovenia
UFC icon Conor McGregor (left) shared a heartfelt post commenting on Ronaldo (right)
Ronaldo eventually stemmed the flow of tears and scored the opening goal in the penalty shootout that they eventually went on to win 3-0 as goalkeeper Diogo Carlos blocked every Slovenia effort.
UFC icon McGregor was quick to comment on Ronaldo as he sobbed at the Frankfurt Arena and posted a heartfelt update on his Instagram story in response.
The pair have previously enjoyed each others company in Saudi Arabia when McGregor was sat next to Ronaldo for a recent heavyweight boxing bout.
Issuing support for Ronaldo, McGregor shared an image of him crying alongside the caption: ‘True passion for country! @Cristiano you are the greatest football player to grace this earth!
‘God bless you brother! The past is glory! The present is history!’ finished McGregor alongside a series of heart emojis.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane – who is now Ronaldo’s team-mate at Al-Nassr – also joined in, posting on Instagram: ‘You will remain the great champion, CR7.’
39-year-old Ronaldo is yet to score for Portugal at Euro 2024 after a frustrating tournament
Suspended boxer Ryan Garcia who is serving a year-long suspension after testing positive during a drugs test similarly sent a message of support to Ronaldo, posting on X: ‘Real men cry. Love you Ronaldo. Keep shooting and keep believing.’
Contrasting emotions were on show at full-time in Frankfurt as Ronaldo apologised to supporters for his missed effort but smiled with relief as Portugal won the match.
Speaking after the game he said: ‘Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.
‘One direct shot to give the team the lead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save … I will have to see the penalty again. I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but I haven’t missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it.’
