Wales manager Craig Bellamy has recalled witnessing Cristiano Ronaldo arriving at Lisbon airport during a Burnley pre-season trip, where the entire terminal was effectively locked down due to the player's security requirements. The incident left Bellamy profoundly struck by Ronaldo's global celebrity status and presence, leading him to describe the 41-year-old as "beyond a superstar" and highlighting just how significant the Portuguese footballer is as an icon.

Bellamy's Burnley coaching party was stranded on a coach for 10–15 minutes whilst police cordoned off the airport before Ronaldo casually walked through with his rucksack, accompanied by police who were even taking photographs themselves. The anecdote gains added context as Bellamy prepares to manage Wales against Portugal and Ronaldo in a Nations League A match, having last faced him on the pitch in 2008 when Ronaldo scored twice for Manchester United. Bellamy emphasised that Ronaldo's continued elite performance at 24 years as a Portugal international, combined with his five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League titles and other major honours, underscores his status across all generations of football.