Cristiano Ronaldo consoles an emotional Pepe after Portugal's Euro 2024 defeat by France as the veterans bow out of the competition with loss on penalties
- The players, 39 and 41, were likely playing in their final European Championship
- They spent a number of years playing together for both Real Madrid and Portugal
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Cristiano Ronaldo was seen consoling an emotional Pepe after Portugal's loss against France at Euro 2024.
Portugal held onto a 0-0 draw in both normal and extra time but fell short in the penalty shootout, with Joao Felix's miss proving vital as the only spot kick that didn't go in.
Felix himself appeared heartbroken as the France players celebrated, but cameras focused on the reaction of Ronaldo, who had previously been in tears during their round of 16 tie against Slovakia.
After missing a penalty in that game - before scoring in the shootout - the pressure was on for Ronaldo to net his spot kick on Friday. He delivered but but Felix's miss, as well as France scoring all of their kicks, meant his side went out.
Ronaldo could be seen sharing an emotional moment with his team-mate Pepe, 41, following the conclusion of the game, with both players now set to bring the curtain down on their European Championship campaigns.
Cristiano Ronaldo (right) consoled an emotional Pepe after Portugal's Euro 2024 defeat
Pepe was seen sobbing in his captain's arms after his side lost against France on penalties
Joao Felix's spot kick proved vital as the veterans could only watch on with France celebrating
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Pepe surprised many at the tournament with his performances in the twilight years of his career, having turned 41 in February and reported to be considering retirement.
'We need to go through this moment of our loss, which is very painful,' Pepe said after the game, in which he helped his side to another clean sheet as he partnered Manchester City's Ruben Dias.
In his career, he has made 140 appearances for Portugal since debuting in 2007, with Ronaldo his country's all-time record cap holder with 212.
The pair played together for a number of years at Real Madrid, with Pepe joining in 2007 and leaving in 2017 and Ronaldo playing there between 2009 and 2018.
It was a sour end to a time playing together that saw the two stars win a plethora of trophies alongside each other, with Pepe letting it all out on the pitch at full time.
He was seen sobbing into Ronaldo's shoulder, with the Portugal captain able to crack somewhat of a smile as he consoled his team-mate as France celebrated.
Pepe said of the embrace: 'The hug from Ronaldo, yes, it means a lot. It's not the right time because it's very painful, [but] we are like brothers and we'll talk about it later.'
The pair won the Euros together in 2016 while playing for their countries, with their futures still unclear.
Ronaldo, however, has confirmed he will not play in the Euros again, saying earlier in the week: 'Without a doubt it's the last Euros, of course it is. But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people's passion.
'It's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?'
The stars enjoyed a number of successful years together at both Real Madrid and Portugal
Ronaldo has confirmed that the competition in Germany would be his last Euros tournament
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The forward failed to score at Euro 2024 and has come under widespread criticism for his performances at the tournament.
He has started every game up front for his side out in Germany, but it has been suggested that the attacking play of Roberto Martinez's side has often stuttered due to Ronaldo's involvement.
The attack also consisted of Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes, with the likes of Diogo Jota and Felix in reserve.
Martinez's side scored five goals in as many games at the tournament, drawing a blank in three.
