(Lisbon) The star of Portuguese football Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career is “intimately linked to the history” of Lisbon, will soon be decorated with the medal of honor of the city, announced Thursday the town hall of the Portuguese capital. in a press release.

Ronaldo “has always defended, promoted and projected the name of Lisbon around the world,” said the city’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, in a statement.

“The history of Cristiano Ronaldo, many times considered the best player in the world, is intimately linked to the history of Lisbon,” he added.

The five-time Ballon d’Or, born on the Portuguese island of Madeira, landed alone in Lisbon at the age of 12 where he was trained in the Lisbon club Sporting Portugal, a team which also welcomed Luis Figo to his academy.

The 38-year-old striker, now playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr, began his professional career with the Lions in a match against Inter Milan on August 14, 2002.