Pact of 'Immortals' in Miami: Kiko Costa Defends Cristiano Ronaldo

MIAMI — The humid Miami Beach air seems to do little to disturb Kiko Costa's tranquility. On vacation on the iconic Ocean Drive after yet another stellar season for Sporting and the Portuguese national handball team, the player many are already touting as the potential GOAT of the sport in Portugal is enjoying a relaxed dinner with his girlfriend, Mariana.

But as soon as A BOLA's microphone approached, the young champion's affable gaze shifted to the determination that characterizes him on the court. In the heart of the 2026 World Cup fever, the conversation naturally turned to another Portuguese phenomenon captivating attention in America: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Accustomed to the demands of elite competition and carrying the status of a global handball star, Kiko Costa didn't hesitate when confronted with the recent wave of skepticism and criticism aimed at Portugal's number 7, often labeled "old" or "dispensable"—before silencing his detractors with crucial performances on the pitch, such as against Uzbekistan.

"Criticism will always exist," Kiko sighs, with the maturity of someone who understands the noise surrounding destined talents. "Whether good or bad, it's there. But we, as athletes, have to continue our work and believe in our talent. In Cristiano's case, the answer is always the same: he responds on the field. He's living proof of that," the Portuguese handball player asserts.

The young player's admiration for the football captain goes way back, fueled by childhood memories shared with his family. Kiko recalls afternoons spent watching national team matches in a festive atmosphere, and moments when the country stopped to witness the impossible unfold. "I remember so many of his games, watching his hat-tricks against Sweden on the road to Brazil 2014, or against Spain in the 2018 World Cup," he reminisces, a sparkle in his eyes. "He's always accustomed us to doing the impossible. Who knows if he won't do it once more here and lift the coveted World Cup trophy on July 19th in New Jersey. That would be incredible."

For Kiko Costa, the success of great collective fronts adheres to a secret shared across all sports, from the court to the pitch: unity. From the perspective of one of the greatest figures in Portuguese handball history, great teams are not built solely on individual talent, but on the camaraderie forged in the locker room.

"We have an excellent national team, with great players and great people. The secret lies in the connection between everyone, in the friendship. Less successful games and duller performances will happen to any team; it's impossible for a player to be at the highest level for twenty years without faltering. As a fan, my role is to support and give this group my full confidence," he concludes.

The legendary Ocean Drive has transformed into a colorful mosaic of football cultures. Amidst Brazilian jerseys and Scottish fans enlivening the streets of Miami, Kiko Costa is soaking up the sun and beach to recharge after a long, grueling season filled with tactical battles. However, the Sporting number 10's heart remains tuned to the national football team, which this Saturday, the 27th, will play for their Group K future against Colombia at the immense Hard Rock Stadium.

"I arrived today, the sun is peeking through the clouds and rain, but the atmosphere here with the World Cup is fantastic," Kiko reveals to A BOLA. The fever for Saturday's decisive match is already palpable on every corner of Miami, and the handball star doesn't hide his desire to swap the beach for the stands: "I'd love to be in the stadium on Saturday to support Portugal. It's not easy at all to find tickets; demand has been absolutely insane, but I'll keep trying until the last minute," he confesses.

After an intense handball season, where he accumulated titles and performances that cemented his status among the world's elite, Kiko Costa is already setting his sights on the future of his sport, drawing a parallel with the ambition of the national football team.

"Sport is like this: victories, defeats, but the focus must always be the same. For next season, my goals and my mentality remain intact. We want to win everything. In handball, we have a great team, a lot of quality nationally, and the objective is to continue fighting for all titles and, who knows, reach the coveted European Final Four. That's the sweet success we're missing, and we're going to give everything to achieve it," concludes the Sporting player.