“There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember. I made mistakes. I suffered. There were also moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese people what they so desperately wanted. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud. To represent Portugal.

“Over the years, I learned a few very simple things. Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But, there is something time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts. If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you embrace someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.

“Because being Portuguese is also about this. We suffer together, we rise together. We believe again.

“Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. New generations to believe it is possible to go where no one has ever gone before. Because a country that keeps creating new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself.

“To my teammates, I want to say something special. Thank you for every run, for every embrace, for every argument. For every silence before stepping onto the pitch. For every victory we celebrated together. For every defeat that made us stronger. I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain walks alone. And you will always be a part of my story.

“To all the coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers, staff members, and so many others who worked alongside me throughout these years, thank you. Many of you never appeared in the photographs. But without you, none of those photographs would have been possible.

“To my family. Thank you for sharing this dream with me. Thank you for understanding the absences, the sacrifices and the moments when the national team had to take up space in my life that also belonged to you. If I came this far, it was because we always walked hand in hand.”

Ronaldo won Euro 2016 with his country, as well as two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. Portugal exited the most recent World Cup in the round of 16, beaten by eventual champions Spain.

Having made his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo played in 12 major tournaments: six World Cups and six European Championships.

The teenager also enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season with FC Robo Queens, scoring 11 goals during the NWFL Premiership regular season and Super Six playoffs. Her form earned her the NWFL Premiership Player of the Season award.

Adegbuyi has now added the WAFU-B Player of the Tournament prize to her growing collection of individual honours and will be among the players to watch at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.

Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa described Edo Queens’ qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League as a remarkable achievement for the state and Nigerian women’s football.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, in Benin, Idahosa praised the players and technical crew for their resilience, discipline and determination.

“The feat is a remarkable achievement that has further placed Edo State at the forefront of women’s football in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.

Idahosa also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s investment in sports development and praised Edo State Sports Commission chairman Amadin Enabulele for his leadership and support.

“I congratulate the players, coaches, technical crew, officials and the entire Edo Queens family on this well-deserved qualification,” Idahosa said.

“You have made Edo State and Nigeria proud. Your victory is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is matched with discipline, commitment and the right investment.

“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you make an even greater mark on the continental stage.”