World player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his home town of Funchal on Madeira on Sunday to attend the unveiling of a statue sculpted in his honour.
The Real Madrid star travelled to the Portuguese island from Marrakech where on Saturday he helped his club lift the Club World Cup, their fourth trophy of 2014.
"This is a very special moment, to have a statue of me," said an emotional Ronaldo at the ceremony where he was joined by members of his family and thousands of fans.
"Ronaldo has never forgotten his origins," said his mother, Dolores Aveiro.
The 3.4 metre statue forms part of Ronaldo's personal museum on the island housing his haul of trophies including his two Ballon d'Or titles, with a third one possibly on its way as he is favourite to win the FIFA award again.
Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or for the first time in 2008, is on the shortlist after scoring a record 17 goals in a Champions League campaign as Real Madrid went on to win their 10th European Cup last term.
AFP
Mon Dec 22 2014
xxxWorld player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his home town of Funchal on Madeira on Sunday to attend the unveiling of a statue sculpted in his honour. -EPA
Judges face rise in threats as Musk blasts them over rulings
Many of the judges fear for their safety as online rhetoric escalates, including death threats and intimidation tactics.
UN releases emergency aid reserves after 'brutal' cuts from donors
The United Nations has released $110 million from an emergency fund to help neglected crises around the world.
Dewan Rakyat adjourns sine die, 10 Bills passed including Parliamentary Services Bill
Dewan Rakyat Speaker says the new bill would ensure a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative bodies.
BRICS is acting properly, with many aspirants willing to join in - India FM
India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recalls that there were four countries in BRICS at the very beginning.
MWC 2025: YTL Communications wins Global Innovation Award for 5G-AI Integration
The award recognises YTL Communications for pioneering AI and robotics-driven smart manufacturing at Clarion Malaysia.
Strangulation cause of Customs officer's death - KL Police Chief
Police say the case is still classified as a sudden death report (SDR), based on the post-mortem from Putrajaya Hospital's Forensic Dept.
No finding, report on Malaysia's link in Nvidia chip fraud case - Tengku Zafrul
At the moment, there are no findings or reports indicating that (the matter) actually exists says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
KDN to issue special pass to investors from April 1 - Saifuddin
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says a single window method will facilitate entry, with passes issued electronically.
![[COLUMNIST] Accelerating AI and 5G innovation in ASEAN - Rais Hussin](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-03/61741253261_MWCEMIRRais.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Accelerating AI and 5G innovation in ASEAN - Rais Hussin")
[COLUMNIST] Accelerating AI and 5G innovation in ASEAN - Rais Hussin
While 5G provides necessary bandwidth, reliability and scale, AI adds predictive intelligence, learning and automation.
Hamas says Trump threats encourage Netanyahu to evade Gaza ceasefire deal
The best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by the occupation going into the second phase, a Hamas spokesperson says.
South Korea air force jet accidentally drops bombs on homes, injuring eight
South Korea's Air Force says eight 225kg Mk82 bombs from KF-16 jets fell outside the shooting range during joint live-fire exercises.
Trump exempts some automakers from Canada, Mexico tariffs for one month
Trump made clear he was not calling off his trade war with Canada and Mexico as he pressures both countries to deter fentanyl smuggling.
Post-mortem on Customs tribunal officer not completed yet - KL Police
The Customs tribunal officer was found dead in the office with his neck and legs bound with cable ties.
Marriott Bonvoy launches year-long 'Malaysian Kitchen' culinary campaign
The campaign brings together chefs from Marriott properties to showcase authentic Malaysian dishes, preserving traditional cooking methods.
BNM seen holding OPR at 3 Pct - Economists
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid also expected the MPC to leave the OPR unchanged.
Trump warns Hamas as US holds unprecedented talks for Gaza hostages
"RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!," US President Donald Trump demands Hamas.
Malaysia, Australia to set up higher education joint working group
Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir the agreement was reached when he received a courtesy call from Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia.
International job scam syndicate: 750 Malaysians rescued
The Foreign Ministry says eight Malaysians are in the process of being repatriated, while another 236 people are being tracked down.
24 sinkhole cases recorded between 2019 and 2024
Perak reports the highest number at 11 cases, according to the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
New Zealand sacks ambassador to UK after he questions Trump's grasp of history
Phil Goff questioned Trumps grasp of history, contrasting his Russia efforts with Churchills fight against Nazi Germany.