Cristiano Ronaldo Set for 11th Major International Tournament with Portugal at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to add another chapter to his storied career, having been named in Portugal’s squad for Euro 2024. The 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward, who holds the record as the most capped player in international football history with 206 appearances, will be participating in his 11th major international tournament.
Ronaldo, who has netted 128 goals for his country, remains a vital component of the Portugal squad. Head coach Roberto Martinez, announcing the 26-man squad for next month’s tournament in Germany, emphasized Ronaldo’s enduring quality in front of goal. “He continues to offer a quality in front of goal which we greatly appreciate and which we need,” Martinez stated at a news conference.
Ronaldo made his international tournament debut at Euro 2004, where Portugal finished as runners-up on home soil after a surprising loss to Greece. His crowning achievement with the national team came in 2016 when he led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, their first major international trophy. He also played a crucial role in Portugal’s triumph in the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League.
Joining Ronaldo in the squad are nine players from the Premier League, including Wolves trio Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, and Pedro Neto. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota also made the cut.
Veteran defender Pepe, 41, is another notable inclusion, along with his Porto teammate Francisco Conceicao, 21, who won his first senior international cap earlier this year.
Portugal will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18, followed by group stage matches against Turkey and Georgia.
Portugal Squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
The Portuguese people will eagerly be awaiting the start of the tournament, hopeful that Ronaldo and the squad can bring more glory to the nation.
