Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make history at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament as he secures a spot in Portugal’s 26-man squad, unveiled by coach Roberto Martinez. At 39 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will mark his 11th major international tournament, a remarkable achievement in itself.
Having debuted at Euro 2004, Ronaldo is set to notch up a record-breaking sixth appearance at the men’s continental championship. Despite an injury-shortened final in 2016, he clinched a winner’s medal for Portugal. Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo holds the world record for both caps (206) and international goals (128).
His pivotal role was evident in Portugal’s flawless qualification campaign, where they won all 10 games, with Ronaldo netting 10 goals in nine appearances. Praised by Martinez for his prolific scoring, Ronaldo remains a vital asset for the team.
Interestingly, despite his senior status, Ronaldo won’t be the oldest member of the squad. His former Real Madrid teammate Pepe, aged 41 and now with Porto, has also been called up for his influential presence in the dressing room.
Portugal, led by Ronaldo, will face the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia in Group F of the Euro, with warm-up matches against Finland, Croatia, and Ireland preceding the tournament. Alongside Ronaldo, the squad boasts a blend of youth and experience, with talents like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes complementing the attacking prowess of Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.
Here’s a breakdown of the squad: Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio Roma/ITA), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG) Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Barcelona/ESP), Nelson Semedo (Wolves/ENG), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Pepe (Porto), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Joao Neves (Benfica), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr/KSA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG) Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/KSA), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Joao Felix (FC Barcelona/ESP), Goncalo Ramos (Paris SG/FRA), Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG), Pedro Neto (Wolves/ENG), Francisco Conceicao (Porto)
