Later this year, Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, will represent Portugal in his eleventh international competition after being included in the national squad for Euro 2024.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner presently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, outside of Europe’s top five divisions. However, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes the forward’s experience and goal-scoring ability would be a valuable addition to the team.
“Christiano? It is preferable to discuss the data. Martinez gave a statement to reporters, citing Ronaldo’s 42 goals in 41 games for his team, when he justified the selection of the player.
“It demonstrates his consistency and physical aptitude for maintaining fitness, along with his goal-oriented nature, which we greatly appreciate and require.”
Twenty years ago, in the final of Euro 2004, the seasoned attacker played in his first tournament match as host Portugal was defeated by Greece. Despite having to be replaced in the first half of the final due to an injury, he went on to lead Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, his lone major international championship.
Ronaldo participated in Portugal’s 2019 UEFA Nations League victory as well. Ronaldo holds the record for most caps in men’s international soccer with 206 games played for his country and 128 goals scored, ten of which came in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
It appeared as though Ronaldo might have played in his final major international competition at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. During the group stages, Portugal appeared to be preparing for life after Ronaldo when then manager Fernando Santos benched the striker.
However, following a managerial change and some strong play by Al-Nassr, the forward will get another opportunity to leave his mark when he makes a record-tying sixth appearance at the European Championship. Ronaldo has participated in five World Cups as well.
According to UEFA, he will also have the opportunity to make history as the oldest man to compete and score at a European Championship. With 14 goals in the finals, he already holds the record for most goals scored in the competition.
Ronaldo won’t be the oldest player on the Portugal team, though. The 41-year-old defender Pepe, who has performed well for Porto this year, is the rightful owner of that distinction. Playing for 38 different clubs this season, the seasoned defender—who also helped his country win the European Championship in 2016—put up some amazing performances as Porto moved to the Champions League round of 16.
In addition to helping Porto place third in the league, Pepe, who has played 136 times for Portugal, will take on Sporting Lisbon in the Taça de Portugal final on May 26.In the dressing room, Martinez told reporters, “Pepe’s role is important, the way he represents the national team shirt.”
“When he`s healthy, his positioning and conversation make him a completely precious player.”
Portugal’s Group F opponents at Euro 2024 are the Czech Republic, Georgia, and Turkey. It will play its opening game against the Czech Republic on June 18.