Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo will be distinguished by the Portuguese President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, who will be naming him Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator at a ceremony to be held next Tuesday (January 7) at the Belém Palace.
The announcement came from the Presidency of Republic in a statement on its website.
“The President’s decision is aimed at distinguishing the internationally-renowned athlete who has been a symbol of Portugal across the world – contributing towards the country’s international outreach and being an example of tenacity for younger generations,” the document reads.
Ronaldo had an unforgettable 2013, scoring an astounding 69 goals – 59 for his club and 10 for the Portuguese national team – and helping Portugal reach the 2014 World Cup with an incredible hat-trick in the decisive playoff match against Sweden.
