Cristiano Ronaldo has received one of Portugal's highest honors from the country's President Anibal Cavaco Silva.

The Portugal captain was awarded a medal and ribbon making him an official of the Order of Prince Henry at a ceremony Monday in Lisbon's presidential palace.

Ronaldo says it is "a moment of great pride" that gives him "the motivation to keep working, and even harder in the future."

President Silva says Ronaldo deserves the recognition because he "brings prestige for Portugal around the world."

The Real Madrid forward was soccer's player of the year in 2008 and 2013 and is Portugal's most famous athlete. He has made 109 national team appearances, the third most, and will lead Portugal's bid for its first international trophy at the World Cup in Brazil.