Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to embark on what’ll surely be his last ever European Championship with Portugal and the former Manchester United superstar wants to make more history
Once Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the pitch in Germany, he’ll play at his SIXTH European Championship.
The Portuguese legend, who turned 39 in February, is no stranger to breaking records of that magnitude and there are plenty more potentially on their way. Ronaldo continues to captain Portugal, who are managed by ex- Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and enjoyed a formidable qualifying campaign in which their talisman scored 10 goals in just nine appearances.
Now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Euro 2024 represents what’s set to be his final bow in European football and possibly his last ever international tournament. Ronaldo is therefore aiming to go out on a high, especially after Portugal were stunned by underdogs Morocco in the last World Cup and went home at the quarter-final stage.
Ronaldo and co face the Czech Republic in their opening Group F fixture in Leipzig next Tuesday before a clash with Turkey on Saturday, June 22 at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. Portugal then face Georgia in their final group game at Schalke’s Veltins Arena, with their iconic No.7 keen to have a number of personal accolades ticked off before the knockout rounds.
For starters, Ronaldo can break the record for the most assists in Euros history, as he’s currently one behind another former Manchester United winger, Karel Poborsky, with seven to his name. Poborsky racked up a total of eight assists for the Czechs across three tournaments – three in 1996, one in 2000 and four in 2004.
Having scored 14 times across the five previous tournaments, nobody boasts more goals and assists combined at the Euros than Ronaldo (21) so he’ll be looking to extend that record. That’s just like his record for most Euros appearances, as in 2021, the ex- Real Madrid talisman became the first player ever to feature at five tournaments and played his 25th Euros match – something no one has ever done.
Your turn! Will Portugal win Euro 2024? Let us know your prediction in the comments section
It goes without saying, too, that Ronaldo stands alone when it comes to consecutive tournament appearances, having played in the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021 iterations. In addition, the 39-year-old is expected to increase his record of playing the most Euros fixtures as captain.
Ronaldo leads the way with 16 appearances, which has helped him boast another record for total minutes played at the Euros (2,155). The Sporting Lisbon academy graduate has also won more Euros games (12) than any other player.
Finally, a fourth appearance in UEFA’s official team of the tournament would give him that record, although perhaps not outright, as team-mate Pepe is also eyeing the same feat at the ripe age of 41.
After lifting the trophy in 2016 , neither Ronaldo nor Pepe can break the record for the most consecutive final appearances. That belongs to Rainer Bonhof, who played in three successive finals for West Germany between 1972 and 1980, winning two.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.