Cristiano Ronaldo to Compete in 11th International Tournament Representing Portugal in Euro 2024
Catch Cristiano Ronaldo in action as he gears up for his 11th international tournament with Portugal at Euro 2024, securing his spot in the squad at 39 years old.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be participating in his 11th international tournament for Portugal later this year. The 39-year-old has been included in his nation's squad for Euro 2024.
Despite playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr outside of Europe's main top-five leagues, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's experience and goal-scoring ability are seen as valuable assets by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.
Martinez explained that it's more beneficial to focus on Cristiano's performance data. He emphasized that Cristiano has scored an impressive 42 goals in 41 games for his club. This demonstrates his consistency, physical fitness, and goal-scoring skills, which are qualities that the team values and requires.
The veteran striker first played in a major tournament 20 years ago at Euro 2004, where Portugal lost to Greece in the final. Despite getting injured and being substituted in the first half, he later led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, his only major international trophy.
Ronaldo was also part of Portugal's successful campaign in winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second goal during a Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab. The exciting game took place at Riyadh's Al-Awal Park Stadium on August 29, 2023.
TOPSHOT - Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab in Riyadh's Al-Awal Park Stadium on August 29, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images
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Cristiano Ronaldo is at the top of Forbes’ ranking of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
He has represented his country in 206 matches, making him the player with the most appearances in men's international soccer. Ronaldo has also set a record by scoring 128 goals, with 10 of them being achieved during the Euro 2024 qualifying period.
It appeared that Ronaldo's time in major international tournaments may have come to an end at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. During the group stages, the striker was left out of the starting lineup by then manager Fernando Santos, indicating that Portugal was preparing for a future without Ronaldo.
After a change in management and some impressive performances for Al-Nassr, the forward will have the opportunity to further solidify his legacy in his sixth European Championship appearance. Ronaldo has previously participated in five World Cups.
UEFA has stated that he could potentially become the oldest player to both participate and score in a European Championship. Currently, he holds the record for most goals scored in the competition, with a total of 14 goals in the finals.
Ronaldo made his first tournament appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004.
Ronaldo made his first tournament appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004.
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However, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in the Portugal squad. That title belongs to 41-year-old defender Pepe, who has impressed for Porto this season.
Pepe, the experienced defender, has had a successful year both at club and national level. He has played 38 games for Porto and has been instrumental in their journey to the Champions League round of 16. In addition, he has represented Portugal in 136 matches and played a key role in helping them win the European Championship in 2016.
Furthermore, Pepe played a crucial role in Porto's third-place finish in the league. He is set to compete against Sporting Lisbon in the Taça de Portugal final on May 26.
Martinez praised Pepe's role in the dressing room, emphasizing how he represents the national team shirt to reporters. He highlighted Pepe's communication and positioning, noting that these qualities make him a key player when he is fit.
Portugal will play Turkey, Georgia and Czech Republic in Group F at Euro 2024. It’s first game will be against Czech Republic on June 18.
Editor's P/S:
Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad is a testament to his enduring brilliance. Despite being 39 years old and playing outside of Europe's top-five leagues, Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess and experience remain invaluable to his nation. His impressive performance data for Al-Nassr underscores his fitness and consistency, making him a potent weapon for Portugal.
Ronaldo's journey in major international tournaments has been remarkable, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. From the heartbreak of Euro 2004 to the glory of Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League title in 2019, Ronaldo has etched his name in Portuguese football history. His quest to become the oldest player to participate and score in a European Championship is a testament to his unwavering determination and desire to leave a lasting legacy on the international stage.
