He gave us so much

Portugal star Pedro Neto has said they want to help Cristiano Ronaldo win the FIFA World Cup. He lauded the veteran forward’s contribution to the team and hailed it as a motivation.

Cristiano Ronaldo is featuring in what is most likely his final FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old has won almost every trophy available, except this. This is perhaps his last opportunity to win it, and his teammates are keen to make it happen for him.

Roberto Martinez’s side will face Colombia in their final group-stage game in Miami on June 27. In his pre-match press conference, Pedro Neto spoke about wanting to win the trophy for their captain and said (h/t Cabine Sport):

“We want to help him achieve that goal. It’s another motivation to give him that last thrill; he gave us so much.”

Portugal are unbeaten in their first two games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They first drew 1-1 against DR Congo in a shocking result. Joao Neves gave them the lead in the sixth minute, but Yoane Wissa equalized for the African side in the first-half stoppage time.

However, Martinez’s side bounced back brilliantly and hammered Uzbekistan 5-0. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao scored one goal each. Abduvohid Nematov, meanwhile, scored an own goal.

Roberto Martinez hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal captain after FIFA World Cup win over Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo faced a lot of criticism after Portugal‘s draw against DR Congo in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. However, he bounced back well, scoring a brace and helping his team beat Uzbekistan 5-0.

After the game, head coach Roberto Martinez lauded the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and said (h/t GOAL):

“Cristiano was an exemplary captain, focused on what he could control and also used his experience. Today it wasn’t just the two goals scored, it was the number of opportunities, the positions, opening up space for teammates, having incredible discipline to be a reference in the attack pattern.”

Martinez added that Cristiano Ronaldo “is an example of what it represents to play for the national team.” The veteran forward has scored 145 goals in 230 games for Portugal and is the highest scorer and has the most international appearances in men’s football history.

Meanwhile, Selecao are second in Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Even a draw against Colombia will be enough for them to qualify for the knockouts.