Cristiano Ronaldo offers a leadership seminar at the 6th Euro of his career...

He has been in this Euro on a… special mission. To enjoy it, but also to help his teammates tremendously. He knows that now his role has special weight. And Cristiano proved just how much of a leader he is now, both with his pre-match instructions against the Czechs and the way he stood to applaud Conceição for the winning goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo offers a leadership seminar at the 6th Euro of his career...

By KONSTANTINOS ZALIARIS

CR7 has grown up. He is no longer the child who was left crying at the 2004 European Championship. He has "built" his character. He has a stronger personality. And this was also seen in his first appearance at Euro 2024, which of course is the 6th of his career.

The Portugal superstar made sure to speak to Bruno and Bernardo Silva before kick-off against the Czechs on Tuesday night in a way that would help them mentally and boost their morale for the game.

Especially with his former team-mate at Manchester United, he seems to have maintained a great relationship.

And after he had done everything to score and contribute to the effort of the national team, he saw Francisco Conceição score in stoppage time for the 2-1 and he was left applauding him like another... proud father.

He knows that he now has to support the next generation and he knows exactly what his responsibilities are and what he has to do as the leader of this group that wears the jersey with the Portuguese national emblem.