Better than Eusebio? Cristiano Ronaldo named Portugal's player of the century
What you need to know:
- Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho picked up the award as Portuguese coach of the century at a red carpet event at the Estoril casino 10km outside Lisbon.
- The 29-year-old was absent from the gala preparing for Real's clash with crosstown rivals Atletico.
LISBON
Triple Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was hailed as Portugal's player of the century at a gala to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their football federation on Wednesday.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho picked up the award as Portuguese coach of the century at a red carpet event at the Estoril casino 10km outside Lisbon.
The Real Madrid star, who scored 60 goals in 61 games in 2014, came out of a vote ahead of Eusebio known as the Black Pearl in the 1960's, and Luis Figo who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000.
Ronaldo himself clinched a third Ballon d'Or on Monday, having previously won the ultimate individual award in football in 2008 and 2013.
The 29-year-old, who led Real Madrid to the Champions League title last season with 17 goals in 11 games, was absent from the gala preparing for Real's clash with crosstown rivals Atletico.
