Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history by playing in his sixth UEFA European Championship this summer. The 39-year-old forward has been named in Portugal’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Cristiano Ronaldo Shared The Record
Previously, Ronaldo shared the record of five European Championships with Spain’s iconic goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Now, he is ready to set a new milestone. As the most capped player in international football history, Ronaldo boasts an impressive 206 appearances and 128 goals for Portugal.
Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s head coach, has included Ronaldo as one of seven forwards in the squad for Euro 2024. Martinez highlighted Ronaldo’s importance to the team, stating, “Cristiano scores 42 goals in 42 games for his club, showing his consistent performance and fitness. His quality in front of goal is something we truly value and need.”
Ronaldo First Made A Mark
Ronaldo first made a mark on the international stage at Euro 2004, where Portugal reached the final but lost to Greece. He was pivotal in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory and their Nations League win in 2018-19.
Martinez’s squad features nine players from Premier League clubs, including Wolves’ Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, and Pedro Neto. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are also part of the team.
The squad includes veteran defender Pepe, 41, and his Porto teammate Francisco Conceicao, 21. Conceicao, son of former Portugal international Sergio Conceicao, earned his first senior cap against Slovenia in March.
Ronaldo, a cornerstone of the Portuguese squad for nearly two decades, aims to enhance his legacy further. He is already the all-time leading scorer in European Championship history.
Portugal will start their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic in Group F on June 18, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia.
All Image Credit: Getty
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How many European Championships has Ronaldo played in?
- Ronaldo has played in five European Championships and is set to participate in his sixth.
Who shares the previous record for most European Championship appearances with Ronaldo?
- Spain’s legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas shared the previous record with Ronaldo.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored for Portugal?
- Ronaldo has scored 128 goals for Portugal.
Who is the head coach of Portugal’s national team?
- Roberto Martinez is the head coach of Portugal’s national team.
Which Premier League players are in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad?
- The squad includes players like Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, and Diogo Jota from the Premier League.