Cristiano Ronaldo has promised Dominik Szoboszlai to give him his shirt after the Liverpool midfielder missed out on swapping jerseys with his idol in Hungary’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Portugal. Szoboszlai, who has admired Ronaldo since childhood, was left disappointed after the Portugal captain had already given away his shirt but received a pledge instead.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Hungary lost 3-2 to Portugal in Budapest, with Ronaldo scoring from the spot and Joao Cancelo netting a dramatic late winner. After the game, Szoboszlai approached Ronaldo to swap shirts, only to discover the Portugal star had already given his away. Despite the setback, the two captains shared a moment after the final whistle.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Outside Portugal’s dressing room, Ronaldo reassured Szoboszlai he would still receive a shirt as per Portuguese outlet O Jogo. The Portugal captain was heard telling him: “I will give you one of mine from my home.” Szoboszlai, meanwhile, handed Ronaldo his own jersey as a sign of respect.

DID YOU KNOW?

The meeting was particularly significant for Szoboszlai, who once walked out as a mascot in 2009 when Hungary faced Portugal, with Ronaldo leading the team. Sixteen years later, the Liverpool star lined up against his childhood hero as Hungary’s captain. It underlined a full-circle moment in his career, despite the disappointing result.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE DUO?

Ronaldo and Szoboszlai will cross paths again when Hungary travel to Lisbon for the reverse fixture next month. The Liverpool midfielder will be hoping his side can improve on their slow start to qualifying. For Ronaldo, another chance to inspire Portugal and keep their momentum going awaits.(GOAL)

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