Zinédine Zidane, the manager, would certainly not have enjoyed the same success without Cristiano Ronaldo (41). As the Frenchman’s right-hand man during his spell in charge of Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, the Portuguese forward has also been one of the reasons behind Zidane’s tremendous achievements.

Scoring 112 goals and providing 27 assists in 114 appearances under the Frenchman during that period, Ronaldo played an invaluable role in the conquest of no fewer than 11 trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga titles, lifted by the French icon.

And as the Portuguese star now approaches the twilight of his career and his time with the Seleçao may well have come to an end this September, Zidane was keen to pay tribute to one of the players who shaped him as a coach.

“We really must pay tribute to his great career. I was lucky to have him with me. He helped me win a lot of titles,” the France manager recalled at a press conference ahead of Monday’s match against Belgium. “Hats off to Cristiano! I always have a great deal of respect for those I’ve spent time with.”