Portuguese daily Sábado has reported that Cristiano Ronaldo personally intervened in an attempt to persuade Madonna to inscribe her adopted son, David Banda, at Sporting Lisbon instead of cross-city rivals Benfica.

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Portugal

Banda, 11, joined the Benfica academy this summer after impressing in a trial and playing in a junior tournament, with the singer subsequently moving to the Portuguese capital full-time to support her son in his nascent career.

Madonna unmoved by Ronaldo plea

Full screen JuanJo Martín (EFE)

However, according to Sábado, Ronaldo picked up the phone to try and convince Madonna to sign Banda up at Sporting instead, where the Portugal captain started his professional career.

However, Madonna remained unmoved by his petition and Banda ended up on the books of Benfica instead. Sábado also stated that Ronaldo did not wish to make a comment for their report.

Meanwhile, Banda started on the bench for Benfica’s under-12s last weekend and opened his account with the team’s only goal in a 7-1 loss.