Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was among those offering support to national team assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho following the death of Carvalho's father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, at the age of 69. The former Chelsea defender learned the news while at Portugal's World Cup base in Miami and is set to return home for the funeral.
Team holds moment of silence
Despite the personal tragedy, Carvalho attended training on Monday. Portugal's squad paused for a moment of silence, forming a circle with joined arms and bowed heads to honour Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho. Ronaldo embraced his former teammate, who earned 89 caps for Portugal between 2003 and 2016, along with several other players. The poignant scenes occurred at the start of Portugal's final training session in Miami before their round of 32 match against Croatia in Toronto.
Official condolences
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued a statement: "The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, father of Ricardo Carvalho, assistant coach of the National Team, at the age of 69. In this moment of profound sadness, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, the Board of Directors and all FPF employees extend their deepest condolences to Ricardo Carvalho and his entire family, sharing in their grief and wishing them strength to face this irreparable loss."
Portugal's national team also posted on social media: "We’re with you. Strength, Ricardo Carvalho," accompanied by two photographs of the team offering their condolences.
Press conference tribute
Before a press conference with João Félix previewing the Croatia clash, national team adviser Francisco Trigo de Abreu acknowledged the loss: "I just want to offer my and João's condolences to Ricardo Carvalho, whose father passed away. He remains with us. We wanted to express our sadness because he was a great colleague and a great friend."
Carvalho's future with squad uncertain
Following the press conference, the FPF announced that Carvalho would travel to Portugal to attend his father's funeral. His availability for the knockout match against Croatia on Thursday remains unclear. Carvalho, 48, has been part of Roberto Martínez's coaching staff since 2023, having previously worked with André Villas-Boas at Marseille.
