Cristiano Ronaldo may dominate global headlines, but this week another athlete from Funchal, Madeira found himself in the spotlight former Australia all‑rounder Moises Henriques, who has been appointed captain of the Portugal national cricket team. For Henriques, who shares a birthplace with Portugal’s most famous footballer, the honour is as meaningful as any major milestone in his long career.
While Ronaldo’s name once electrified fans when he was announced as Portugal’s football captain, Henriques’ appointment has a quieter charm yet the coincidence of both Madeira‑born athletes making news on the same day is striking.
Henriques, now 39, retired from Australian domestic cricket just weeks ago. He will lead Portugal at the Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub‑Regional Qualifier C in Finland, where the team begins its long pathway toward qualifying for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Portuguese‑Australian brings significant experience to the role. Henriques earned 44 international caps for Australia, playing four Tests, 16 ODIs and 24 T20Is, with his last appearance coming in 2021. He also featured in multiple Indian Premier League franchises, building a reputation as a dependable and versatile all‑rounder.
Born to former Portuguese professional footballer Álvaro Henriques, Moises moved to Australia as a child and went on to enjoy a distinguished domestic career with New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers. Although he has stepped away from Australian domestic cricket, he plans to continue playing overseas and now, to lead Portugal’s growing cricket ambitions.
His captaincy marks a unique full‑circle moment: a Madeira‑born athlete returning to represent his homeland, not in football like Ronaldo, but in a sport still carving out its identity in Portugal.
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