Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team returned to Lisbon following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Spain 0-1 in the Round of 16 on July 6. Upon arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport at 6:15 AM on July 8, a few dozen fans were already waiting to greet the team. However, Ronaldo did not appear with most of his teammates. Instead, the captain made his way to a nearby black private jet.

Before boarding, Ronaldo took a moment to shake hands and smile at airport staff nearby, showcasing a friendly demeanor that resonated well with fans. A video capturing this moment quickly spread across social media, highlighting the approachable side of the 41-year-old superstar.

The private jet, a Bombardier Global Express XRS, took off from Lisbon at 7:05 AM and landed in Madrid at 7:55 AM. This long-range aircraft is equipped with two Rolls-Royce engines and has a range of approximately 11,500 kilometers, allowing for intercontinental flights without the need for refueling. It can reach speeds of around 950 km/h, depending on load and weather conditions.

Inside, the jet accommodates 14 passengers and features sleeping arrangements for up to five. The luxurious interior is decorated in cream tones with wooden accents, divided into various areas for work, relaxation, and leisure, including two bathrooms, a kitchen with an oven, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, high-speed internet, and an entertainment system.

The Bombardier Global Express XRS has garnered attention not only for its impressive specifications but also for its distinctive gray-black paint job, which Ronaldo retained from the previous owner. He added his CR7 logo and a celebratory pose next to the entrance to personalize the aircraft. Didier Wolff, a designer known for custom aircraft paint jobs, noted that Ronaldo chose this eye-catching look to express his personality and to ensure there was no attempt to hide his private jet travels.

Ronaldo purchased this aircraft in 2024, making it the most expensive item he has ever bought, with a value estimated between $57 million to $81 million. It replaced his previous Gulfstream G200, which he acquired in 2015 for approximately $22 million. The private jet allows the Portuguese forward greater flexibility as he frequently travels between Portugal, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al Nassr.