Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to set a new record at the European Championship after being named in Portugal’s 26-man squad, for Euro 2024, unveiled on Tuesday by coach Roberto Martinez.
The 39-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be making his sixth appearance at the men’s continental championship, marking his 11th major international tournament since his debut at Euro 2004.
Ronaldo, who secured a winner’s medal at Euro 2016 despite being forced off due to injury after just 25 minutes in the final, continues to be a pivotal figure for the national team.
Currently playing club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo holds the men’s world records for caps (206) and international goals (128).
He demonstrated his enduring value by scoring 10 goals in nine appearances during Portugal’s flawless qualifying campaign, where they won all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding only two.
Praising the veteran striker, Martinez highlighted Ronaldo’s exceptional contribution, stating, “A player who has scored 42 goals in 41 matches for his club continues to offer a quality in front of goal that we really appreciate and need.”
Despite his age, Ronaldo is not the senior-most player in the squad.
That distinction goes to his former Real Madrid teammate, 41-year-old Pepe, who currently plays for Porto.
Martinez emphasized Pepe’s crucial role, particularly his influence in the dressing room.
Before competing in Group F against the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia from June 14 to July 14 in Germany, the Selecao will prepare with warm-up matches against Finland, Croatia, and Ireland.
Joining Ronaldo in the attack are Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, and Francisco Conceicao.
The midfield will feature creative talents like Bernardo Silva, who recently won the English Premier League with Manchester City, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
Portugal’s Euro 2024 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)
