Sports
#QuinasDeOuro2024: Portugal Recognizes Ronaldo With Prestigious Platinum Award
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and football icon, was awarded the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy at the 2024 Quinas de Ouro gala, held on Monday evening in recognition of his extraordinary career and contributions to Portuguese football.
The Platinum Quinas trophy, the highest honour presented by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), was bestowed upon Ronaldo for his exceptional achievements with the national team, cementing his legacy as a symbol of Portugal on the global stage.
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The 39-year-old, now playing for Al-Nassr, has earned 216 caps and scored 133 goals for Portugal, solidifying his place in football history.
In a reflection on his career, Ronaldo shared his pride in the milestone. “It is an honour to receive this trophy. I see it as a beginning. Thank you to the FPF for this award, marking a long journey filled with hard work,” Ronaldo posted on social media the following day.
The footballer, known for his determination, humorously added, “I can’t wait to see what my legs have to offer me in the next few years. If the 1000th goal comes, that’s fine… but if it doesn’t happen, I’m already the top scorer in history.”
Ronaldo also expressed his gratitude in Portuguese, saying, “É um orgulho receber este prémio pela minha carreira na Seleção. Ainda há muito por conquistar! Obrigado, @selecaoportugal!” (“It is an honor to receive this award for my career with the National Team. There is still a lot to achieve! Thank you, @selecaoportugal”).
The gala, which celebrates excellence in Portuguese football, saw the attendance of distinguished guests including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and FPF President Fernando Gomes.
Ronaldo, who famously led Portugal to victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, praised the country’s football infrastructure.
“We have everything: magnificent stadiums, excellent coaches, potential in these players, and the stars we have. Not only in football but in other sports as well,” he remarked.
The event also honoured several other notable figures from Portuguese football. Former international Pepe, who retired in August after 141 caps with the national team, was celebrated for his remarkable career.
The ceremony also recognised players such as Diogo Costa, Rúben Dias, and Vitinha for their outstanding performances in the 2024 Ballon d’Or and Yashin award races.
Other awards included a special tribute to Jorge Jesus, coach of Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal, for his record 34 consecutive wins, and João Matos, who was honoured for earning 200 caps with the Portuguese futsal national team.
The evening also paid tribute to the late José Manuel Constantino, the former president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee, and recognised Olympic and Paralympic athletes who earned medals at the 2024 Paris Games.
In a touching moment, FPF President Fernando Gomes acknowledged the contributions of several Portuguese clubs to the development of top talent, with representatives from Sporting, FC Porto, Benfica, Sporting de Braga, and Vitória de Guimarães attending the ceremony.
As the event concluded, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva were called upon by Portuguese U21 coach Rui Jorge to take up the mantle of responsibility for the future of Portuguese football, ensuring the continued growth and success of the national team.
Sports
Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30
Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.
Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.
The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.
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The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.
Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.
In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.
“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.
“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.
FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.
Sports
Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.
The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.
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In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”
He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.
“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.
He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”
The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.
The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.
The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.
The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.
The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.
The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.
Sports
Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname
After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.
The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.
He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.
In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”
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The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.
The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.





