Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the sole major tournament victory of his career so far when Portugal upset hosts France in the final of Euro 2016. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was famously denied the opportunity to be on the pitch when his country achieved their crowning moment, thanks to a clumsy first-half challenge from Dimitri Payet.

Despite bravely attempting to play on after the challenge, Ronaldo was eventually stretchered off with a knee injury after 25 minutes. To most observers, it seemed like Portugal's chance to lift the trophy had left with him.

To his huge credit, though, Ronaldo refused to feel sorry for himself and - after being patched up by the Portuguese medical staff - set about trying to inspire his colleagues from the touchline.

Kicking every ball alongside his countrymen, Ronaldo essentially became an unofficial assistant to Portugal boss Fernando Santos - even passing on tactical instructions to his teammates.

You can check out highlights of Ronaldo's passionate performance in the Portuguese technical area below.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo turns Portugal coach during Euro 2016 final v France

Ronaldo's efforts weren't in vain, either. A Seleção ultimately won the match in extra-time. Former Swansea City striker Eder proved the difference maker as Portugal hoisted their first major trophy, downing a star-studded French side on their own patch at the Stade de France.

The pain of defeat was tough to bear for all associated with the France set-up, with Payet even joking that he had been forced to ban his own children from mentioning Ronaldo's name in the aftermath of the final.

"I have kids, so I can understand the image that footballers have," he told Sport24 in a December 2016 interview, per Goal.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal kisses the Henri Delaunay trophy to celebrate after their 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

"They are fans of some players, I see in their eyes. They admire and try to imitate their gestures, their words, their celebrations.

"They love Ronaldo and Messi. Since Euro 2016, though, they have no right to pronounce the name of Ronaldo!"

While many fans took Payet's comments in jest, some were genuinely concerned that the former West Ham was being serious, forcing the Marseille star to clarify his stance shortly afterwards.

Football mascots quiz: Can you name the weird and wonderful characters at British clubs?

"I have nothing against Ronaldo. I think that this controversy was brought up because he was injured in the match after contact with me.

"My kids love Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar. Obviously, these are the best players in the world, so I do not see why I would ban my son," he insisted, per The Sun.

To be fair, of all the stars your kids could look up to, Ronaldo has to rank as a pretty decent role model.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Pepe (L) of Portugal pose for photographs holding the Henri Delaunay trophy to celebrate after their 1-0 win against France in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

While Payet last played international football in 2018, Ronaldo's Portugal career is still going strong at 37 years of age. The Manchester United icon even harbours ambitions of guiding his country to a further international success at this year's World Cup in Qatar.

Whether Ronaldo can pull off that remarkable feat remains to be seen, but his impromptu coaching debut during the Euro 2016 suggests nobody is more passionate about the cause.

Would Rashford improve Arsenal? (Via The Football Terrace)