Ronaldo lauded by Mbappé, Martínez, before potential last Euros game

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — If Friday is the last time Cristiano Ronaldo takes the field in a European Championship, he will do so with reverential praise ringing in his ears.

From Roberto Martinez, who as Portugal head coach might have a vested interest in bigging up Ronaldo ahead of the team's crucial Euro 2024 quarterfinal against France (3 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app) but who also probably has more insight on the matter than anyone else right now.

And from his friend Kylian Mbappé, who many believe is positioned to take over from Ronaldo as the highest-profile player in European soccer, but finds himself on the other side of the battle lines in Hamburg, with a last four spot on the line.

A French victory would bring an end to Ronaldo's Euros career, after the superstar forward confirmed to Portuguese television after the team's round of 16 victory over Slovenia on penalty kicks that he won't be around in four years' time, when the tournament is held in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

It remains to be seen what happens with his international career and whether he tries to carry on until the 2026 World Cup, and with his club involvement at Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.

While Martinez has had his judgment questioned in selecting Ronaldo in the starting Xi for every game at Euro 2024, he has refused to back down. Time and again, he has spoken of the value Ronaldo brings to the team with his goal threat and experience.

On Thursday, he went a step further at a press conference, giving some rare insight into the mental approach Ronaldo brings on the training field, and how it uplifts the rest of the Portugal team.

"For me it is always - every day seems like a new day,"