Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for the Portugal squad for the Euro 2024 tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward, is gearing up to participate in his 11th major international tournament as he has been named in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024. With an incredible 206 appearances for Portugal and 128 goals, Ronaldo holds the record for being the most capped player in international football history. Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, made the decision to include Ronaldo as one of the seven forward players in his 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament in Germany. Speaking at a news conference, Martinez emphasized Ronaldo’s invaluable contribution, stating that the forward continues to offer “a quality in front of goal which we greatly appreciate and which we need”.

Ronaldo’s journey in major international tournaments began at Euro 2004 when Portugal reached the final on home soil, only to be defeated by Greece. Notably, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner played a pivotal role in Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016, marking his only major silverware at the international level, along with securing victory in the Nations League in 2018–19.

It’s worth noting that Roberto Martinez’s squad for Euro 2024 includes nine players from Premier League clubs, adding to the excitement surrounding the tournament. The inclusion of prominent names such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot from Manchester United, as well as Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias from Manchester City, further amplifies the anticipation for Portugal’s campaign. The presence of experienced players like Pepe, aged 41, alongside 21-year-old Francisco Conceicao, highlights the blend of youth and experience in the Portuguese squad.

As the stage is set for Euro 2024, Portugal is scheduled to face Czech Republic in their Group F opener on 18 June, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia. The upcoming tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of football talent, with Cristiano Ronaldo poised to once again leave his indelible mark on the international stage.

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).