It was a different kind of vibe at the 2022 Soccer World Cup. The biggest stars were embarking on their journey to win the most prestigious sporting title ever. Involving heartbreaks and jubilations, the tournament provided some ecstatic moments, and who knows it better than Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos? The star grabbed eyeballs after making the most of Cristiano Ronaldo’s poor form in the round of 16 against Switzerland. However, the 22-year-old reveals how that moment fueled his already bright career.

Ramos is one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. However, he acknowledges that the stunning World Cup performance is the reason for his elevated stature. Speaking in an interview, Ramos said, “I was already known, but after that game, I moved to a different level. Because it’s a World Cup, all eyes are there, and it has a different importance,” claiming it to be special.

The soccer world was shocked when Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in the starting line-up of the Round of 16 clash. He was replaced by a 21-year-old boy who had never started for the national team earlier. But with just three games as a substitute before, Goncalo Ramos scored a hat trick against a formidable Swiss team and helped Portugal win 6-1.

Heading into the game, Ronaldo wasn’t in the best of form. Portugal managed to sneak into the knockouts, but the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner just scored a single goal in the group stage through a penalty. Additionally, Cristiano’s lack of training in the previous months of the game led the former coach, Fernando Santos, to bench him. Undergoing a crisis at Manchester United from a bitter relationship with coach Erik ten Hag, the striker could not maximize his ability in Qatar. Meanwhile, Ramos also claimed that it wasn’t easy to fill such big boots.

Goncalo Ramos reveals how it felt to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

With his first international start being a knockout game, the pressure to replace the highest goalscorer in the world was immense. Ramos further said, “I was nervous because I was playing my first match in the national team, in the World Cup tournament, and in the qualifying stage,” and confessed that Ronaldo was the best Portuguese player ever.

Watch: Neymar Snubs Cristiano Ronaldo as Lionel Messi and Ronaldo Nazario Join Al Hilal Star’s Ultimate Dream Team

Meanwhile, Ramos’ career has shot up since then. The player moved on a loan from Benfica to play alongside Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain. Reports also suggest that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are interested in the forward. Overall, the rise of the Portuguese star has been impressive. With the 2024 Euros arriving soon, Ramos could play a significant role for his nation.

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