Fan Footage Shows Cristiano Ronaldo Kicking Captain's Armband After Belgium Defeat

Fan footage has emerged showing a frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo kicking his captain's armband following Portugal's narrow defeat to Belgium.

The 36-year-old forward, who has scored 45 goals in 58 games for club and country this season, played a huge part in Portugal's journey to the round of 16, netting five times during Group F clashes against France, Germany and Hungary.

But despite his impressive form coming into Sunday night's game, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man couldn't help his side to victory as a 42nd-minute strike from Thorgan Hazard sealed Belgium's place in the quarter-finals.

Image credit: PA

It was a disappointing end to a great tournament for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and, after the final whistle, he expressed his frustration at the result by throwing his captain's armband to the ground before kicking it away.

You can see the footage below.

A member of staff picks up the armband moments later and can be seen walking alongside Portugal's captain down the tunnel.

Ronaldo also expressed his disappointment after the final whistle when he once again threw his armband to the floor.

It was a night to forget for the Juventus forward but Roy Keane's kind words during the European Championship game will perhaps provide a crumb of comfort.

"He's the most intelligent player I have seen in my life," his former Manchester United teammate said. "Obviously, I'm not going back to the 50s and 60s but the guy loves scoring goals.

"His intelligence is amazing, how he plays the game, he doesn't get involved in build-up play but he's got that trickery and arrogance which you need from the great players.

"The brain, the intelligence of the man, how he's done it in different countries, how he's looked after himself off the pitch as well.

"I can't praise the man enough, he's an absolute genius, I love watching him. Just the brain he's got, the cleverest player ever."

Thoughts on Ronaldo's decision to kick his armband after the full-time whistle?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Belgium, Football, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_