In a heartfelt moment, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national football team gathered to support their assistant coach, Ricardo Carvalho, following the death of his father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, at the age of 69. The news came just before Portugal's crucial match against Croatia in the Round of 32 at the World Cup 2026, scheduled for July 3.

Upon receiving the sad news, Carvalho immediately left the team's base in Florida to return home for mourning. It remains uncertain whether the former defender will be able to return to North America if Portugal advances further in the tournament.

Before a training session, the entire Portuguese squad took a moment to honor Manuel Ribeiro, forming a circle and embracing each other in a solemn atmosphere. Ronaldo was particularly noted for his emotional support, giving Carvalho a tight hug to share in his loss. Head coach Roberto Martinez also offered his condolences with a comforting pat on the back as Carvalho prepared to leave the team.

The Portuguese Football Federation shared touching images on social media, accompanied by a message of solidarity: "We are always with you. Stay strong, Ricardo Carvalho." They also extended their deepest sympathies to Carvalho and his family in an official statement.

Carvalho, who has been a trusted assistant to Martinez since he took over the national team in 2023, previously served as an assistant to Andre Villas-Boas at Marseille. As a player, Carvalho is regarded as one of the best defenders in the history of Portuguese football, having earned 89 caps for the national team and winning the Premier League three times with Chelsea. He was a key figure in the legendary defense under Jose Mourinho during the 2004/05 season, when Chelsea conceded only 15 goals in 38 matches.

Notably, Carvalho and Ronaldo played together for over a decade in the Portuguese national team, culminating in their victory at EURO 2016. During their time at Real Madrid, they also celebrated multiple titles together, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

As the team prepares for their upcoming match, the emotional bond and support among the players and coaching staff highlight the unity within the squad during this challenging time.