FIFA pays tribute to MS Dhoni and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match

Ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2024 match against Czechia, the official FIFA World Cup Instagramhandle paid tribute to Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and Portuguese footballerCristiano Ronaldo using the common link that binds the two superstars.

Both Dhoni and Ronaldo have been the legends of their respective sports and contributed immensely to the success of theirnational teams. The similarities do not stop here as both wear the iconic no. 7 on their jerseys.

FIFA used the 'Thala for a reason' phrase that is often used in popular culture by the fans of the cricketer to associate it with Ronaldo who wears the same-numbered jersey. 'Thala' (Tamil word for 'head' or 'leader') is what fans call Dhoni affectionately.

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Ronaldo's last dance

While Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, Ronaldo is still going strong at the young age of 39. The Portuguese star has said he is lucky to be able to represent his country at the top stage and making every moment count in the final essay of his career.

"I know I don't have many years of football left," Ronaldo said in the lead-up to the Euros.

"It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream."

The Portuguese is the leading goal scorer inmen’s international football with 128 goals in 204 official matches. He will be playing his final Euros, having featured in six previous editions, winning one (2016) and finishing runners-up (2004) in another.

"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. "Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn't get any better than this."

While Ronaldo was extended terrible treatment under former coach Fernando Santos who benched him in the important World Cup matches in Qatar, the newly-appointed Roberto Martinez has put complete faith in the Al-Nassr striker.

Portugal Euro 2024 group and squad

Group F:Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

Goalkeepers:Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio

Defenders:Antonio Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Ruben Dias

Midfielders:Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Otavio Monteiro, Ruben Neves, Vitinha

Forwards:Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao

(With inputs from agencies)