Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal’s charge at Euro 2024, aiming to add another European Championship title to his illustrious career. Since Roberto Martinez took over as coach, Ronaldo has extended his international record to 206 appearances and 128 goals. Despite switching to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo finished as the second-top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifiers, proving his critics wrong.
Martinez, who faced a disappointing group-stage exit with Belgium in the Qatar World Cup, has fully backed Ronaldo. “Cristiano is a unique player in the world, with the highest number of international caps,” Martinez said. “The experience he brings to the dressing room is very important.”
Ronaldo, now 39, will be competing in his 11th major tournament and a record sixth European Championship. He aims to extend his record of 14 goals in the competition.
Despite being dropped by their previous coach Fernando Santos during the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo has re-established himself as Portugal’s key player alongside talents like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, and Goncalo Ramos.
Veteran Pepe, at 41, also joins the squad for his experience, while Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes replaces the injured Otavio. Portugal is a favourite to progress from Group F but knows not to underestimate any opponents.
The team will kick off against the Czech Republic in Leipzig on June 18, followed by matches against Turkey in Dortmund and Georgia in Gelsenkirchen.
Portugal aims to become the third nation to win the trophy twice within three editions, following Spain and West Germany. They hope to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Belgium in the 2020 last 16. With Ronaldo at the helm, Portugal’s journey in Euro 2024 promises to be thrilling.
