Portugal’s U-16 girls’ team in awe as Cristiano Ronaldo pays surprise visit

Football icon inspires young players during national team training camp

Last updated:
Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor
1 MIN READ
Portugal’s U-16 girls’ team in awe as Cristiano Ronaldo pays surprise visit

Dubai: Portugal’s under-16 women’s national team experienced an unforgettable moment when football star Cristiano Ronaldo and several senior national team stars made a surprise visit to their training camp this week.

A video of the heartfelt moment between Ronaldo and the young women’s squad has since gone viral, capturing his warm interaction and the players’ emotional reactions.

The unexpected appearance left the young players stunned, with many describing the encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The visit formed part of an initiative to support and inspire the next generation of Portuguese football talent, with Ronaldo’s presence carrying particular weight given his status as a global sporting icon and a symbol of excellence for generations of Portuguese players.

Ronaldo is currently preparing for what may be the final chapter of his international career as he edges closer to an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance at the 2026 tournament.

Portugal face Ireland today in Dublin as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. “The European Brazil” sit top of Group F with 10 points from four matches, while Ireland trail in third place with just four points.

Khitam Al Amir
Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor
With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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