10 - Cristiano Ronaldo's treble against Luxembourg in 2022 World Cup qualifying on October 12, 2021 saw him become the first player to net 10 international hat-tricks. Getty Images

Sporting name academy after 'greatest ever' product Cristiano Ronaldo



Portuguese club Sporting have said they will re-name their academy after former attacker and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who scored in Juventus' first Serie A game of the season on Sunday, joined the Lisbon club aged 12.

"The Academy will thus immortalise the name of the greatest symbol it ever produced and that will be an inspiration to follow for all the younger talents," the 18-time Portuguese champions said.

"The Academia Cristiano Ronaldo will represent Sporting's DNA in its excellence and will follow the destinies of the one that now gives it its name: to be the best in the world," they added.

Ronaldo, 35, made his Sporting debut in 2002 before playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve.

The Portugal captain has won the Champions League five times as well as the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A as well as captaining his country to Euro 2016 success.

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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Portugal against Sweden in the Uefa Nations League match at Friends Arena in Stockholm. PA