Last updated on .From the section European Football

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded one of Portugal's highest honours by the country's president.

Ronaldo, 28, will receive the Order of Prince Henry from president Anibal Cavaco Silva at a ceremony on Tuesday.

"He is a worldwide symbol of Portugal, making the country better known internationally and an example of perseverance for younger generations," said a presidential statement. external-link

Ronaldo said external-link it was an "indescribable feeling of pride and honour".

In November, the Portugal captain became the nation's all-time joint record goalscorer.

He scored a hat-trick in the World Cup play-off win against Sweden to move level with Pauleta on 47 goals.

The former Manchester United player is also third on the nation's all-time appearance list, winning 109 caps since his debut in August 2003.

Ronaldo, who moved to Real for a then world-record fee of £80m in 2009, is one of a three-man shortlist for the 2013 Ballon d'Or.