Frank Christian
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the remarkable achievement of being the top goalscorer in men’s international football history, currently sitting at 130 goals. At 39 years old, his time as a professional player is inevitably drawing to a close.
During Euro 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to victory, although he had to exit the final due to injury early on. Despite this setback, he continued to support and guide his team from the sidelines, playing a key role in their 1-0 win over France.
There are speculations that Euro 2024 in Germany could be Ronaldo’s final international tournament, given his age. The upcoming World Cup in 2026 may not be feasible for him, especially with Portugal’s abundance of young talent waiting to take the stage.
What are Portugal’s prospects, and can their iconic striker make an impact at Euro 2024?
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Compete in Euro 2024?
During the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo was benched for Portugal’s last-16 match, where his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in a resounding 6-1 victory. This event hinted at a potential change in leadership.
However, despite the early exit against Morocco, the appointment of Roberto Martinez as head coach revitalized the team spirit, leading to Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad. His exceptional performance of 10 goals in nine Euro 2024 qualifiers solidified his spot as a key player.
Ronaldo was named captain for Euro 2024 and is primed to guide Portugal’s journey.
Portugal’s Chances at Euro 2024
Despite some lackluster moments in their tournament opener against Czechia, Portugal’s victory over Turkey secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
Under Martinez’s guidance, the team displayed dominant form during the qualifiers, winning all ten matches and scoring 36 goals. With talents like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix, Portugal possesses a formidable and versatile squad.
Martinez’s emphasis on expansive attacking play has significantly bolstered Portugal’s chances at Euro 2024, positioning them as strong contenders for the title.
Ronaldo’s Bid for Another Ballon d’Or
Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi, clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or recently following Argentina’s triumph at the Copa America. Ronaldo’s path to another Ballon d’Or likely lies in international success, especially with his current club associations.
If Portugal secures victory at Euro 2024, Ronaldo’s exceptional performance could propel him towards a sixth Ballon d’Or, surpassing Messi’s influence in the race for the prestigious award.
