The scouts that discovered Cristiano Ronaldo and Vigo the death of the Portuguese icon sends an emotional greeting

Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the legendary scout responsible for identifying Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent in his early years, unfortunately died.

Pereira Ronaldo was first spotted while playing with Nacional in Madeira. At only 12 years old, Ronaldo was brought to sport by Pereira, as he quickly bounced through the ranks before being transferred to Manchester United.

The influence of Pereira on Portuguese football extends beyond Ronaldo. During his time in Sporting, he played a major role in discovering many higher talents including Louis Vigo, Ricardo Quaresma, William Carvalho, Paulo Football, Roy Patricio and Niani.

Ronaldo moved to the social media platform X to honor the man who helped launch his career. In addition to a picture of the two, he wrote: “We left us one of the largest global football symbols, but his legacy will live forever.

“I will never stop his gratitude for everything he did for me and for other players. Even forever, Mr. Aurelio, thank you for everything. Lick in peace.”

Sporting also issued an official statement celebrating the celebration of the long and effective career as a scout.

Sporting Club De Portugal would like to express condolences at the death of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, who died on Tuesday, 77 years old.

We left one of the great symbols of global education, but his legacy will live forever. I will never stop being grateful for everything I did for me and many other players. Even always, Mr. Aurelio, thanks for everything. rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8pvle73id4

Cristiano (Cristiano) April 8, 2025

Born in October 1, 1947, joined Sporting CP to play football and then left later to join Club Futebol Benfica to become a coach.

“He returned to the club to train the younger teams about 20 years ago. In 1988, he established and became president of recruitment, and since then, his story has been more than known.

He discovered many of the greatest national talents and brought them to Sporting, where they grew and flourished and later moved to the largest stages of world football.

“From Paulo Football, to Luis Vigo and Cristiano Ronaldo, but also the most elderly talent, Aurelio Pereira is largely responsible for the jobs of many national football figures over the past forty years.

“He was a leader in his profession and a person who was seen by everyone. He received two” Strom “and” Golden Lion “prizes, and in 2012, the club launched the Sporting Academy and the main training stadium after him.

“In 2016, the Portuguese national team watched winning European championships in France, where ten players discovered it.

“It will be remembered forever as one of the greatest names in the history of national football, and above all, in the history of Sporting Club De Portugal.