How Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo feels the Toronto World Cup love and seals it with a kiss

Дата публикации: 03-07-2026 14:11:43

In viral social media post, Portugal star addressed thousands that had gathered near team's hotel after match against Croatia.

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The game ended shortly after dusk in Toronto, but the night was just getting started for Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and his legion of fans storming the city in rapturous celebration.

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One of the all-time greats was having his moment in a city ready to claim his as its own, a joyous reaction after a sporting night for the ages at Toronto Stadium.

Of course Ronaldo, 41 years old and not yet ready to end his World Cup career, was a huge factor in his team’s 2-1 win over Croatia, his second-half goal on a penalty getting the Portugal party started.

The crowd of 43,036 at Toronto Stadium — a singing, rollicking gathering like the city has never seen before — erupted then and never really stopped.

They spilled out into the streets afterwards in a celebration that felt like it might not end. Back at the Portugal downtown team hotel, Ronaldo showered some of that love back.

In a post that has since gone viral, one of the most popular players in the history of any sport, Ronaldo addressed the thousands that had gathered. Like the Pope or a royal greeting the masses, he joined some of his teammates on the hotel balcony, waving, clapping and pumping his fist to add to the frenzy.

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In that post to his 110.6 million followers on X, Ronaldo shared the video with the simple message: “Toronto (heart emoji.)”

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The Round of 32 match was just Ronaldo’s second ever in the city and first with Portugal. The stakes were huge for the iconic superstar, as his team advanced to the Round of 16 with its thrilling second-half surge over Croatia.

What was the Round of 32 atmosphere like?

The sixth and final World Cup game to be played in the city was incredible theatre and played out in an electric environment.

With the bustling fan bases of both teams, it may have been one of the most incredible sporting scenes ever to unfold in the city.

Compound the passionate fan bases, the high stakes and the remarkable second half drama and it added up to an iconic night at Toronto Stadium, which will now return to its BMO Field persona and home to the Toronto Argonauts and TFC.

The announced attendance of 43,036 was another sellout at the stadium, which was retrofitted for the event with the addition of some 17,000 temporary seats. From the opener featuring Canada and the huge patriotic celebration that accompanied it, each match had its own flavour.

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It was difficult to top the Thursday scene, however. With huge Portuguese and Croatian communities in the region, the passion was off the charts hours before kickoff through to the game’s dramatic, controversial end.

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Rave reviews for Toronto Stadium

The venue may have been the smallest of the 16 stadiums used this tournament, but for fan engagement and atmosphere, it packed a serious punch.

“It’s a shame that there are no more games here in Toronto because we really enjoyed it here,” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said in his post-match press conference.

“Everything around the beautiful facilities here, even the dressing rooms, reminds me of the old-fashioned Premier League grounds.

“It was amazing. My first time in Canada. Congratulations to everyone who organized.

“We really enjoyed it. It was a wonderfully supported game with two sets of fans … an incredible spectacle for football.”

What’s up next for Portugal?

After a night of celebrating, Ronaldo, Martinez and company will turn their attention to a Round of 16 matchup against European rival Spain next week in Dallas.

Read More

1. 

   Cristiano Ronaldo strikes and Portugal survives a wild World Cup clash with Croatia

2. 

   Croatia erupts in anger after would-be tying goal ruled offside: 'Taking the joy out of football'

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When they leave the city is unclear, though there were some suggestions that the team is considering having at least one training session at Centennial Park in Etobicoke before it heads south.

The team had their final preparations for the Croatia game at the FIFA-transformed facility, which has hosted training sessions for a participant in each of the six games contested at Toronto Stadium.

Martinez, whose team returns to action on Monday in Texas, said the facility here was ideal for those purposes.

“The training sessions, the quality of the grass, everything (was first rate),” Martinez said.

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