Cristiano Ronaldo to Play in 11th International Tournament at Euro 2024 Squad Selection
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 39 years old, will be playing in his 11th international tournament for Portugal later this year. He has been chosen for Portugal’s squad for Euro 2024.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, outside of Europe’s main top-five leagues. Despite this, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be valuable for the team.
Martinez explained the decision to select Ronaldo by highlighting his impressive statistics. Ronaldo has scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club, showcasing his consistent performance and physical fitness.
Ronaldo’s tournament journey began 20 years ago at Euro 2004, where Portugal lost to Greece in the final. He later led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, securing his only major trophy at the international level. However, he had to leave the final match due to an injury.
Additionally, Ronaldo was part of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory in 2019, adding to his international achievements.
Ronaldo’s Impressive International Career Continues
Cristiano Ronaldo has played 206 matches for his country, making him the most capped player in men’s international soccer. He has scored a remarkable 128 goals, with 10 of them coming during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
It seemed like Ronaldo might have played his final major international tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was left out of the starting lineup during the group stages by then-manager Fernando Santos, suggesting that Portugal was preparing for life without Ronaldo.
However, after a change in management and some strong performances for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo will have another opportunity to contribute to his legacy. This will mark his record-extending sixth appearance at the European Championship, in addition to his participation in five World Cups.
Ronaldo also has the chance to set a new record as the oldest player to play and score in a European Championship, according to UEFA. Already the competition’s leading goalscorer with 14 goals in the finals, Ronaldo continues to make his mark on the international stage.
Portugal Relies on Experienced Defender Pepe
While Cristiano Ronaldo is a key figure in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad, he won’t be the oldest player on the team. That distinction belongs to 41-year-old defender Pepe, who has been impressive for Porto this season.
Pepe, a veteran defender, has played a crucial role for Porto, making 38 appearances for the club this year. He has particularly stood out in Porto’s journey to the Champions League round of 16. Additionally, Pepe helped Porto secure a third-place finish in the league and will compete against Sporting Lisbon in the Taça de Portugal final on May 26.
Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martinez, emphasized Pepe’s importance both on and off the field. He praised Pepe’s leadership qualities and his ability to represent the national team with pride. Martinez highlighted Pepe’s communication skills and his tactical awareness, underscoring his significance to the team when he’s in good physical condition.
In the Euro 2024 tournament, Portugal is placed in Group F alongside Turkey, Georgia, and Czech Republic. Their first match will be against Czech Republic on June 18th.
