Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Portugal national team to console Ricardo Carvalho after the death of his father. The former Chelsea centre-back, who is now Roberto Martinez’s assistant, learned of the tragedy at the team’s World Cup training base in Miami and plans to return home for the funeral.
Carvalho remained with the team during Monday’s training session, during which Portugal’s players observed a moment of silence for their colleague’s father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, who died at the age of 69. In a touching gesture, the entire team formed a circle, folded arms and bowed their heads in silent mourning for Carvalho.
Ronaldo put his arm around his former teammate, who won 89 caps between 2003 and 2016, and several other colleagues also offered their support.
The emotional scenes unfolded early in Portugal’s final training session in Miami.
“The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deep sadness over the death of Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, father of national team assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho, at the age of 69,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
“At this moment of profound sadness, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, the Board of Directors and all employees of FPF express their deepest condolences to Ricardo Carvalho and all his family, share their sorrow and wish them the strength to cope with this irreparable loss.”
“We are with you. Stay strong, Ricardo Carvalho.”
The Portuguese national team posted on social media with two photos of the team paying their respects.
In a press conference with Joao Félix ahead of the Round of 32 match against Croatia, the national team advisor drew attention once again to the bereavement Carvalho has experienced.
“João and I would like to express our condolences to Ricardo Carvalho on the death of his father,” Francisco Trigo de Abreu said.
“He remains with us. He was a great colleague and a great friend and we wanted to express our sadness.”
Immediately after the press conference, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Carvalho would be allowed to return to Portugal to attend his father’s funeral.
Portugal is preparing for a round of 16 showdown with Croatia. The two countries will face each other in Toronto on Thursday, but Carvalho’s participation remains in doubt.
The 48-year-old has been part of Martinez’s backroom staff since 2023 and previously worked under Andre Villas-Boas at Marseille.
