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Euro 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo poised to make history

Portuguese legend made his debut in the Euros in 2004

By Web Desk

May 21, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal. - AFP

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in the national team’s 26-member squad for this summer’s European Championships and is poised to become the first player to participate in six editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo, who made his debut in the Euros in 2004, was previously on par with Iker Casillas, having appeared in five editions of the tournament.

“Cristiano? It’s better to talk about the data. He’s a player who’s scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club,” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said.

“That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need,” he added.

The Al-Nassr captain, who transferred to Saudi Arabia from Manchester United midway through the 2022/23 season, has scored 42 goals and provided 13 assists for the Saudi Pro League club in all competitions.

The 39-year-old led Portugal to their first-ever European title in 2016 and has scored 14 goals in the finals.

The all-time leading international goalscorer was left out by Euro-winning coach Fernando Santos during Portugal’s 2022 World Cup campaign and was omitted from the starting XI after the group stages, before Portugal’s eventual exit in the quarter-finals against Morocco.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Pepe, is also part of the squad at the age of 41.