Cristiano Ronaldo: Dimitri Payet once joked his kids were banned from mentioning CR7

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the sole major tournament victory of his career so far when Portugal upset hosts France in the final of Euro 2016. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was famously denied the opportunity to be on the pitch when his country achieved their crowning moment, thanks to a clumsy first-half challenge from Dimitri Payet.

Despite bravely attempting to play on after the challenge, Ronaldo was eventually stretchered off with a knee injury after 25 minutes. To most observers, it seemed like Portugal’s chance to lift the trophy had left with him.

To his huge credit, though, Ronaldo refused to feel sorry for himself and – after being patched up by the Portuguese medical staff – set about trying to inspire his colleagues from the touchline.

Kicking every ball alongside his countrymen, Ronaldo essentially became an unofficial assistant to Portugal boss Fernando Santos – even passing on tactical instructions to his teammates.

You can check out highlights of Ronaldo’s passionate performance in the Portuguese technical area below.

Ronaldo’s efforts weren’t in vain, either. A Seleção ultimately won the match in extra-time. Former Swansea City striker Eder proved the difference maker as Portugal hoisted their first major trophy, downing a star-studded French side on their own patch at the Stade de France.

The pain of defeat was tough to bear for all associated with the France set-up, with Payet even joking that he had been forced to ban his own children from mentioning Ronaldo’s name in the aftermath of the final.

“I have kids, so I can understand the image that footballers have,” he told Sport24 in a December 2016 interview per Goal.

“They are fans of some players, I see in their eyes. They admire and try to