The competition will be filled with top-tier talent, and one of the most prominent stars seems poised to sparkle once more.
Despite being 39 years old and currently signed with a club in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hold a significant role as a player for Portugal. Assuming he remains injury-free, Ronaldo is expected to participate in EURO 2024, as he played a crucial part in their impressive qualification campaign for the tournament.
With 10 goals, the Al-Nassr star emerged as the second-highest scorer during the qualifying matches, contributing to Portugal’s flawless record. Ronaldo participated in nine out of those 10 qualifiers, missing only one due to a suspension resulting from accumulated yellow cards. Despite being benched in the 2022 World Cup in favor of Goncalo Ramos, the renowned Portuguese superstar appears to have regained his position as a starter under the guidance of new manager Roberto Martinez.
As Ronaldo approaches the end of his international career, he has not yet specified when he will retire. In 2023, he expressed his unwavering hunger for success, with EURO 2024 being his main focus.
According to Ronaldo’s statement to Record, he always has something to prove. He believes that when there is nothing left to prove, it signifies a life devoid of purpose. Every year, he strives to prove himself and set an example of longevity. Despite being 38-and-a-half years old, Ronaldo is confident that he will continue to achieve remarkable feats.
Ronaldo still feels useful and in good shape. His passion for football remains strong, and he continues to derive immense joy from the sport. Despite his age, he has shown no signs of slowing down. This season, he has had an outstanding performance at the club level, scoring 36 goals in his first 36 games for Al-Nassr.
What titles has Ronaldo achieved with Portugal?
Despite his success in club competitions, Ronaldo has faced challenges when it comes to achieving international glory. This was evident in EURO 2004, where Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final, with Ronaldo starting in the match.
It took another 12 years for Ronaldo to finally lift a major trophy with Portugal. In the EURO 2016 final, despite losing Ronaldo to injury after just 25 minutes, Portugal emerged victorious against France. This was a significant milestone for Ronaldo and his national team.
In the following years, Ronaldo played a more prominent role as Portugal secured victory in the inaugural Nations League final against the Netherlands. This further showcased his impact on the international stage.
However, success at the World Cup has remained elusive for Ronaldo and Portugal. Their closest achievement was a fourth-place finish in 2006, falling short of ultimate international glory.
While Ronaldo’s focus for this year will be on EURO 2024, there is still a possibility of him making an appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Despite being 41 years old at the start of the tournament, reports suggest that Ronaldo has not ruled out the idea of playing until then, provided his body allows it. This demonstrates his dedication and passion for the sport.
