Cristiano Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for Euro 2024

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Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to participate in his 11th major international tournament after being included in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024.

The 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward holds the record for the most appearances in international football history, with 206 caps for Portugal and 128 goals.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez selected Ronaldo as one of seven forwards in his 26-man squad for next month’s tournament in Germany.

During a news conference, Martinez expressed appreciation for Ronaldo’s continued quality in front of goal, which he emphasized as greatly needed by the team.

Ronaldo made his tournament debut at Euro 2004, where Portugal reached the final on home soil but ultimately lost to Greece.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner played a pivotal role in Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016, marking his only major international trophy to date, and also contributed to their success in the Nations League in 2018–19.

Martinez’s squad includes nine players from Premier League clubs, with a trio from Wolves—Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, and Pedro Neto—all securing spots.

Joining them from the English top flight are Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota.

In addition, Martinez named veteran defender Pepe, aged 41, along with his 21-year-old Porto teammate Francisco Conceicao.

Conceicao, a winger and the son of former Portugal international Sergio Conceicao, earned his first senior international cap against Slovenia in March.

Portugal will kick off their Group F campaign against Czech Republic on 18 June, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia.

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).