Hats off, Cris! Zidane delivers stunning verdict on Ronaldo's 'exceptional' legacy

As the football world debates the ugliest chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo's international career, one man who knows him better than almost anyone has stepped forward with a message of pure admiration.

Details: Speaking at a press conference at Clairefontaine, France head coach Zinedine Zidane stated, as reported by Alfredo Pedullà, that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be praised for everything he has done in his career and has achieved something exceptional. Zidane said he was fortunate enough to coach him, that Ronaldo helped him win incredible things, and that he takes his hat off to Cristiano.

• Also read: France have won their last six matches against Belgium: prediction for France — Belgium

Zidane did not stop there. Asked whether Ronaldo's career was ending poorly after his dramatic departure from the Portugal camp, the Frenchman flatly rejected the premise, insisting the world should celebrate a great career rather than scrutinize how it may be concluding. The fondness between the two was forged over two and a half years at Real Madrid, where Zidane served as advisor, sporting director and assistant before taking the top job in January 2016. Together they conquered Europe three times in a row, adding a La Liga title and two Club World Cups, while Ronaldo produced one of the most outrageous statistical lines of his career: 112 goals and 27 assists in 114 appearances under Zidane. The Frenchman, who famously rotated his star without ever losing his trust, offered an implicit contrast to the current mess in Portugal, where Jorge Jesus benching Ronaldo against Norway triggered the captain's exit from the camp, the federation's mediation and a full-blown national soap opera. Zidane's tribute lands on the eve of France's Nations League clash with Belgium at the Stade de France, where his unbeaten side, led by the in-form Michael Olise, aim to strengthen their grip on top spot in the group.

It's worth noting that Zidane and Ronaldo remain bonded by a historic feat: three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, something no coach-player partnership has repeated in the modern era. At 41, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 caps for Portugal and, with his Al Nassr contract and federation backing in place, has given no formal signal that his international story is over.

Reminder: New rules from Zidane! Will they make a difference?