Cristiano Ronaldo bowed his head in sorrow earlier today after learning that Aurélio Pereira, the scout who discovered him as a gifted 12-year-old, had died at age 77. Pereira, widely regarded for his unrelenting commitment to youth development, passed away on Tuesday. The news reverberated across Portuguese football, with many describing his influence as “irreparable.”
Ronaldo’s emergence as a global superstar can be traced back to Pereira’s keen eye. In 1997, Pereira journeyed to Madeira and saw something special in a lanky young boy playing for Nacional. Impressed by Ronaldo’s quick footwork and steely determination, he convinced Sporting Lisbon to bring the teenager into their academy. Ronaldo later recalled that it felt like fate.
Spotting a future star in CR7
When Ronaldo arrived in Lisbon, Pereira knew he had unearthed more than raw talent. He guided the youngster through the rigorous training system he helped create, one that produced Portugal‘s 2016 European champions. As Pereira once remarked to club staff, “These kids need patience, but they also need direction.” Ronaldo showed how far that direction could lead.
Ronaldo, who now has five Ballon d’Or awards and countless scoring records, offered a heartfelt tribute. “One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever,” he wrote on social media. “I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players. Until forever, Mr. Aurélio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
Pereira’s gift for spotting talent was never in doubt. Alongside Ronaldo, he also discovered Luis Figo, Paulo Futre, and Nani, among others. Under his watch, Sporting Lisbon’s academy grew into one of the most respected in Europe. By the time Portugal lifted the European Championship trophy in 2016, ten of the squad’s players had once stood on training pitches overseen by Pereira.
Sporting Lisbon named its main academy pitch after him in 2012, a nod to his lifetime of service. In 2018, he received UEFA’s Order of Merit, a testament to his standing as a pillar of youth football. There has been no official word on the cause of death, but the shock and sadness are evident. The Portuguese Football Federation described the loss as “an irreparable blow,” while former Sporting protégé Nani wrote, “You were a great friend, an excellent human being, who gave me good and important advice. I’ll never forget everything I learned from you.”
Pereira might have left us, but his teachings remain in every pass, goal, and dream he inspired. He wasn’t just a scout. He was a mentor, a steady hand in the sometimes chaotic world of youth sport, and a central figure in shaping Portugal’s modern football success. Those who knew him say that gratitude is the most fitting way to remember him, and Cristiano Ronaldo is first among the many who will always be thankful for Aurélio Pereira’s legacy.
