Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19

Portuguese and Juventus superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for COVID-19, Portugal’s Football Federation said in a statement on its website on Tuesday.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was released from work of the National Team after a positive test for COVID-19,” the team’s statement read. “The Portuguese international is doing well, without symptoms, and in isolation.”

“Following the positive case, the remaining players underwent new tests Tuesday morning. 

The 35-year-old striker will miss Wednesday’s UEFA Nations League game against Sweden and likely, Juventus’ next two matches, at least, against Crotone on Saturday in Serie A action, and Dynamo Kyiv on Oct. 20 in the UEFA Champions League.

There is hope, however, that he will be fit to play in the much-anticipated Champions League match against his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, and Barcelona on Oct. 28.

The federation added that the rest of the Portugal squad had undergone tests as a result of Ronaldo‘s positive, but that they had all tested negative and would be available for the Sweden match.

Five-times world player of the year Ronaldo appeared in his side’s 0-0 draw away to France in the Nations League on Sunday and Wednesday’s 0-0 draw in a friendly at home to Spain.

Ronaldo is one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, having dominated the European soccer stage for over a decade with Manchester United in England, Real Madrid in Spain, and now Juventus, whom he joined in 2018.

He has won five Champions League titles with United and Real Madrid and the 2016 European Championship with Portugal.

Reuters with additional reporting from Joseph Pantorno.