His longevity is incredible. Tonight, Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first player in history to feature in six European Championships after he hits the field against Czechia. But will the legend start for Roberto Martinez's side? Let's take a closer look.
Ronaldo, 39, is enjoying another stellar season for Al Nassr. He's scored 44 goals in 44 games for the Saudi Pro League side and has 13 assists across all competitions. Despite his age and less competitive league, those are MVP numbers. Check out some of his best goals this season.
Portugal boss Martinez insists that CR7 is on the squad for his consistent productivity alone.
“Cristiano is in the national team on merit,” Martinez insists. “Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games â consistent with his club in his league â and he scored [10] goals in our qualification rounds.
“He's a goalscorer and, for us, he's someone who can make that final move. He can stretch defences and open spaces. Over the years, he has changed his way of playing slightly, but I can only say that Cristiano is in the national team on merit and the numbers are there to back that up.”
It's fair to say Ronaldo is still one of the most popular footballers on the planet. And he loves his fans. The player climbed through some bushes at practice just to take a selfie with fans ahead of the match opener.
Despite claims that CR7 is his side's “weak link,” the forward will likely start the opening Euro 24 games rather than remain on the bench. At least, that's what we can glean from Martinez's line-up in pre-tournament warmups.
Ronaldo lined up alongside AC Milan's Rafael Leao in a June 11 friendly against Scotland, netting his 130th international goal in vintage fashion. He remains the all-time men's international goalscorer, with 14 coming in the Euros alone. While he's lost some speed, the GOAT can still poach them around the box as a number 9.
Would you bet against Ronaldo NOT scoring? Surely, it's a bet that few people want to make.
Ronaldo's one last dance in the Euro Cup starts tonight.
Photo: IG/cristiano
