Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history at Euro 2024 in Germany. Known for his exceptional skills and longevity, Ronaldo continues to dazzle at 39. Ronaldo continues to be a formidable force, having scored 48 goals in 49 appearances for Al-Nassr this season.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, believes Cristiano Ronaldo is still capable of performing at the highest level. Let’s explore 10 unbelievable records Ronaldo could break at this year’s European Championship.
1. Most appearances in European Championships
If Ronaldo steps onto the field in Germany, he will become the first player to feature in six separate European Championships. This record highlights his extraordinary longevity and consistent performance over the years.
2. Scoring in Six Tournaments
Ronaldo has already scored in five different European Championships. If he finds the back of the net this summer, he will become the first player in history to score in six separate tournaments.
3. Oldest Outfield Player
Currently, Lothar Matthäus holds the record for the oldest outfield player to feature in the European Championship at 39 years old. Ronaldo, 39, could surpass this record if he plays. However, his teammate Pepe, aged 41, could also claim this accolade.
4. Most Euro Team of the Tournament Selections
Ronaldo has received three selections for the Euro Team of the Tournament. Should he secure another selection this year, he will become the inaugural player to feature in four distinct Euro Teams of the Tournament.
5. The Oldest Goalscorer
Ivica Vastic is currently the oldest goalscorer in Euros history, having scored at 38 years and 257 days old. If Ronaldo scores at Euro 2024, he could break this record.
6. Most Goals in Penalty Shootouts
Ronaldo is already a seasoned penalty-taker. If he scores in a penalty shootout this summer, he will become the first player to score in three separate penalty shootouts in Euros history.
7. Top Assister
With eight assists, Ronaldo is just two assists away from becoming the outright top assister in European Championship history. Karel Poborsky of the Czech Republic holds the current record.
8. Most Goals in Euros History
Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in European championships, making him the top scorer. If he scores more than four goals this summer, he will have more than double the amount of any other player in the competition’s history.
9. Multiple Golden Boots
Ronaldo has already won one European Championship Golden Boot. If he wins it again this year, he will be the first player to win two Golden Boots in European history.
10. Most Man of the Match Awards
With six Man of the Match awards, Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta share the record. Winning just one more Man of the Match award will make him the outright leader in this category.
Portugal’s squad for Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo leads a strong Portuguese squad for Euro 2024. Key players include newly-crowned champions Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias from Manchester City, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot from Manchester United. Veteran defender Pepe, 41, provides experience, while young talents like João Neves add fresh energy to the team.
Portugal, the 2016 European champions, are in Group F and will face Czechia, Turkey, and debutants Georgia in the first stage.
Here is the complete squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, and Rui Patrício
Defenders: António Silva, Danilo Pereira, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, João Cancelo, Nélson Semedo, Nuno Mendes, Pepe, Rúben Dias
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, João Palhinha, Otávio, Rúben Neves, Vitinha
Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão
Portugal kicks off their campaign on June 18 against Czechia. With Ronaldo aiming to break these incredible records, the tournament promises to be an exciting one for football fans around the world.