Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Late Scout Aurélio Pereira

Aurélio Pereira, the iconic Sporting CP scout who discovered Cristiano Ronaldo, passed away at 77. Pereira, who also recruited Figo and Futre, was key in shaping Portugal football future. Ronaldo, signed at age 12, thanked him on Instagram, calling him a global symbol of youth development and a figure who changed many lives forever.

As the football world mourns a legendary figure, Sporting CP announced the passing of Aurélio Pereira, the iconic scout who discovered Cristiano Ronaldo, at age 77. Pereira, a cornerstone of Sporting’s youth development since 1988, was instrumental in shaping Portuguese football, having scouted stars like Paulo Futre, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo. His most famous recruit, Ronaldo, was just 12 when he joined Sporting from Nacional under Pereira's guidance.

Ronaldo debuted professionally in 2002 and later led Portugal to Euro 2016 and Nations League triumphs, winning 33 major titles globally. Paying tribute, Ronaldo called Pereira "one of the greatest symbols of world youth training." Sporting revealed that 10 players in Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning squad were discovered by Pereira, who coached youth teams for two decades. Elsewhere, a man was charged with assaulting Jack Grealish after Manchester City's goalless draw with Manchester United on April 6, 2025.

Grealish was reportedly slapped near the Old Trafford tunnel. Greater Manchester Police named the suspect as 20-year-old Alfie Holt, who will appear in court on July 14. The incident followed a match marred by derogatory chants from United fans, prompting Pep Guardiola to criticize the lack of class and integrity among sections of the crowd.