Cristiano Ronaldo set a European Championship record on Tuesday when he appeared for the sixth time at the tournament for Portugal. Getty Images
“Today begins another chapter in our history. I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories. Now, I have the honor of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination,” Ronaldo said in a post on X.
“With everyone’s strength and support, we turn dreams into reality. Let’s, together, fight for another triumph. United, we are unstoppable. Go Portugal!”
Since his 2004 debut, Ronaldo has featured in every subsequent Portugal team — 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 (played in 2021 because of COVID-19) and now 2024.
With 14 Euros goals, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals by any player in the history of the competition, with his personal record being five goals in one campaign in the 2020 edition.
Also on Tuesday, Portugal centre-back Pepe became the oldest player in European Championship history at 41 years and 113 days.
Pepe beats the previous record held by former Hungary goalkeeper Gábor Király, who was 40 years and 86 days old when he played in their Euro 2016 round-of-16 defeat by Belgium.
Despite Portugal’s star-studded attacking lineup, which includes talents such as João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leão, Ronaldo remains the team’s most prolific striker and will captain the side for the tournament.
Portugal will also face Georgia and Turkey in Group F.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.
Source link : https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40377063/euro-2024-cristiano-ronaldo-sets-record-sixth-tournament
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-18 07:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.