Barring last-minute injuries, it’s safe to say that Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing for Portugal this summer at the Euros.
The 39-year-old may not be lighting it up with a European club this season, but he’s scoring away in the Saudi Pro League. He’s struck the net 27 times and notched 11 assists in 28 appearances for Al-Nassr this season. His 53 goal-tally last year topped all goalscorers across the world in 2023.
CR7 is still a goal machine and looks to bag even more during what will be his 6th Euros this summer. He remains the tournament’s all-time top scorer, with 14 goals to his name for Portugal. He can break even more records — oldest Euro scorer, oldest outfield player at a Euro, oldest playing to potentially win the Euros. The record list goes on for Cristiano.
Why Ronaldo wants to play in the Euro 2024
Ronaldo is Portugal’s most-capped and highest-ever scoring player, with 128 strikes. He helped lead A Seleção to Euro glory at the 2016 games, giving him his first major trophy with his international side. He also played a vital role in securing the inaugural 2018/2019 UEFA Nations League.
In scintillating form, there’s no way Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will pass on an invitation to one of football’s greatest ever.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18 year old player. He is a role model. He always tries to be in the right position and is looking for the goal,” said Martinez, commenting on Ronaldo’s 10 goals in 10 games in Euro qualifiers.
Ronaldo is also looking to rebound from a poor showing at the 2022 World Cup, one in which his arch-rival Lionel Messi triumphed. Meanwhile, Messi will be playing in Copa America stateside this summer.
But if Ronaldo’s latest goal-scoring form is any indication, he will bring his A-game when Portugal kicks off the Euros against Czechia on June 18.
Photo: x/FabrizioRomano
