Cristiano Ronaldo repeats unique nickname for Diogo Dalot after Portugal brace

Cristiano Ronaldo was outmatched on international duty for Portugal for the first time.

Not one, but two of his Manchester United teammates stole the show in the 4-0 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic.

Given his knack for scoring, Bruno Fernandes’ inclusion on the scoresheet will come as no surprise to United fans. However, the sight of defender Diogo Dalot scoring a brace would have left many questioning if it was a mistake.

Dalot, 23, has only scored once for United, in a 6-1 FA Cup win over Tranmere in 2020.

But he had his shooting boots on in his most recent appearance for his country. In a thoroughly convincing effort, he scored two well-taken goals on either side of halftime. And Ronaldo was clearly thrilled with his colleague, praising him on Instagram.

“piteusinho goleador,” the 37-year-old wrote in response to Dalot’s remark.

The first term translates roughly as “small pittie,” whilst goleador is Portuguese for “goalscorer.” While there is no English word for “pittie,” it has been hypothesized that it means “small pitbull.” Ronaldo has previously made this reference about Dalot.

Ronaldo’s use of the term to characterize his buddy is not the first time. Ronaldo also used the term in a remark on one of Dalot’s Instagram images, which showed the right-back before of United’s first Europa League match of the season against Real Sociedad in early September.

Dalot will be trying to carry his good form into Portugal’s match against Spain on Tuesday, followed by the Manchester derby on Sunday.