Portuguese football was the focus of Monday night at the Centro Cultural de Belém, in Lisbon, where the Gala das Quinas de Ouro 2024 took place, in which awards were presented that reward the «excellence of Portuguese», under the motto «I am Portugal. ».
Taking advantage of the break in professional competitions and the gathering of the national teams in the City of Football, the Portuguese Football Federation, in partnership with the Players’ Union and the Coaches’ Association, managed to bring together the “cream” of Portuguese football, but also futsal, beach soccer and other sports that have raised the name of Portugal in the past year.
A ceremony featuring the main figures of Portuguese football, starting with the internationals called up by Roberto Martínez for the other commitments in the League of Nations, with a tribute to the careers of players such as Rúben Dias, Diogo Costa, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo. Silva.
The Quinas de Ouro also paid tribute to Portuguese clubs, with the presence of the presidents of Benfica (Rui Costa), Sporting (Frederico Varandas), Vitória (António Miguel Cardoso) and Sp. Braga (António Salvador), and the only notable absence of André Villas-Boas, and FC Porto represented by executive manager Henrique Monteiro.
In addition to Ruben Amorim, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus was also honored in a year in which he broke the record for consecutive wins in charge of a club (34), as was Rui Jorge, for his already long career himself. in those under 21.
At the end of the ceremony, Fernando Gomes, president of the FPF, asked Cristiano Ronaldo on stage to present the international with the Quinas Platanam, «ambassador of excellence for our country».
The Portugal international received the award from children who play for Andorinha, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first club in Madeira. «Let’s see if anything good comes of it, it is already morning in the Arabian and at that time I was already asleep. To see if anything comes of it, further, my daughter is celebrating her birthday today. It is a great pride to receive this trophy, I do not see it as an end, but as a beginning », he began to emphasize.
«When I joined the national team my first objective was the first international cap, then 10, 25, 50, then you start thinking, why not 150 or 200. After winning the Ballon d’Ors and so many awards i can say. nothing is better than showing the selection. I am disappointed with some players who do not want to represent the national team. I hear many people say that Portugal is a small country, but Portugal is a big country, everything is there», emphasized CR7, closing the ceremony.
Quinas de Ouro Prizes 2024
Pepe (former international ambassador and FPF)
Diogo Costa (Selection/FC Porto)
Rúben Dias (Selection (Manchester City))
Vitinha (Selection/PSG)
Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal Coach)
Filipa Patão (Benfica Coach)
Ruben Amorim (former sports coach)
Pastéis da Bola (women’s beach soccer)
SC Braga (men’s beach football)
Benfica (futsal)
sport (futsal)
Alverca (football)
Santa Clara (football)
sport (football)
Benfica (football)
Portugal Beach Soccer Team
João Matos (Futsal)
Bernardo Silva (Select/Manchester City)
Bruno Fernandes (Selection/Manchester United)
Rui Jorge (U21 Coach)
Carlos Godinho (FPF sporting director)
Mônica Jorge (women’s coach)
Iuri Leitão and Rui Oliveira (cycling/Olympics)
Rui Oliveira (cycling/Olympics)
Miguel Monteiro and Cristina Gonçalves (Paralympic Athletes)
José Manuel Constantino (former president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Platinum Quinas)
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to another edition of our interview series. Tonight, we’re shining a spotlight on an exciting recent event—the Gala das Quinas de Ouro 2024, which celebrated the excellence of Portuguese sports, particularly football. Joining me is renowned sports analyst and football expert, Dr. Ana Pereira. Dr. Pereira, thank you for being here!
Dr. Ana Pereira: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Gala das Quinas de Ouro took place at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon, celebrating the achievements of sports figures in Portugal. What are your thoughts on the importance of such ceremonies for the sporting community?
Dr. Pereira: Events like the Gala das Quinas de Ouro are crucial for recognizing and honoring excellence in sport. They not only celebrate individual achievements—like those of Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes—but also foster a sense of unity within the broader community of Portuguese sports. It helps to inspire younger generations and reminds everyone of the hard work that goes into reaching the top.
Editor: Absolutely, and the event also showcased a variety of sports, including futsal and beach soccer. Why do you think it’s important to honor athletes from different disciplines at such a prestigious gala?
Dr. Pereira: Honoring athletes from various sports highlights the diversity and richness of Portuguese athletics. It reflects the country’s commitment to fostering talent across a range of disciplines, not just football. By acknowledging athletes in futsal and beach soccer, we are celebrating all aspects of our sporting culture and encouraging a broader appreciation for different sports.
Editor: Speaking of football, the presence of top national figures and club presidents was quite notable this year. How does their attendance contribute to the event’s prestige?
Dr. Pereira: The presence of club presidents, such as Rui Costa of Benfica and Frederico Varandas of Sporting, adds significant weight to the event. Their involvement signals a unified front among clubs and reinforces the idea that despite rivalries, there is a collective pride in Portuguese football. It’s essential for the growth and development of the sport at all levels.
Editor: A highlight of the evening was Cristiano Ronaldo receiving the Quinas Platinum award. He spoke about this recognition as a starting point rather than an end. What impact do you think that mindset has on younger athletes?
Dr. Pereira: Cristiano Ronaldo’s perspective is immensely powerful. It reinforces the idea that success is not an endpoint but a continuous journey. For younger athletes, seeing such humility and ambition from someone like Ronaldo serves as inspiration. It encourages them to set their sights high, understanding that every achievement is just a stepping stone towards even greater goals.
Editor: It’s fascinating how a figure of his stature can influence the next generation. Now, shifting to the coaches honored, particularly Jorge Jesus and Rui Jorge—how vital are they in shaping the future of Portuguese football?
Dr. Pereira: Coaches play a pivotal role in player development and team strategy. Honoring coaches like Jorge Jesus, who recently set a record for consecutive wins, highlights their leadership and tactical brilliance. Their work not only impacts the immediate success of their teams but also has lasting effects on the development of talent that contributes to national and international success.
Editor: Before we conclude, what message do you think the Gala conveys about the state of Portuguese football today?
Dr. Pereira: The Gala communicates that Portuguese football is thriving, both on the international stage and within its domestic leagues. The acknowledgment of past and present players, as well as the presence of strong and visionary coaching, suggests a bright future. It underscores the importance of unity and excellence, which are foundational to continued success.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pereira, for sharing your insights on this significant event in Portuguese sports. It’s been a pleasure discussing the impact of the Gala das Quinas de Ouro.
Dr. Pereira: Thank you for having me! It was great to discuss such an inspiring celebration of talent and excellence in Portuguese sports.