Cristiano Ronaldo Record-Breaking Euro Bid

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to lead Portugal’s bid for another European Championship title in what might be the final major tournament of his remarkable career. Ronaldo played a crucial role in helping Portugal win Euro 2016 and was instrumental in their flawless qualifying campaign under coach Roberto Martinez, where the team won all 10 matches.

Records Cristiano Ronaldo Already Holds

Ronaldo debuted in the Euros in 2004 at the age of 19 and continues to set records simply by appearing on the pitch. He is the only male player to have represented his country in five Euros and, barring any injury will extend that record to six this month. He scored his first Euro goal against Greece in a 2-1 defeat on June 12, 2004 and has since accumulated 14 goals in the tournament. This includes two goals in 2004, one in 2008, three each in 2012 and 2016, and five in 2021, making him the joint top scorer of that tournament.

Ronaldo surpassed Michel Platini’s record of nine goals, all scored in the 1984 tournament when France won the title. He also stands out as the only male player to have scored three or more goals in multiple Euros. Ronaldo’s 25 appearances in the Euros are another record, with his compatriots Joao Moutinho and Pepe next in line with 19 appearances each. Ronaldo’s 137 attempts at goal since 1980 far outpace Thierry Henry’s 52 and he leads in creating scoring opportunities with 41 chances, just one behind Luis Figo’s record of 42.

Records Cristiano Ronaldo Could Break at Euro 2024

Ronaldo could soon hold the record for the most assists in Euros, currently tied at six with Karel Poborsky. Kevin De Bruyne, among others, is close behind with five assists and will aim to increase that number in Germany. If Ronaldo scores in the tournament, he could become the oldest scorer in Euros history, surpassing Austria’s Ivica Vastic, who scored at 38 years and 257 days old.

Ronaldo could also become the oldest scorer in a Euros final, a record held by Leonardo Bonucci, who was 34 when he scored against England in 2021. If Portugal, in Group F with the Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia, replicate their 2016 success, Ronaldo would join Spain’s Iker Casillas as the only players to captain their country to two Euro titles.

Ronaldo’s Career and Future Prospects

Ronaldo, one of nine men to score five or more goals in a single Euros, has had an illustrious career with 128 international goals in 206 appearances for Portugal. He has scored against 47 different nations and could reach 50 by the end of this tournament. In September, Ronaldo surpassed the 850-goal mark in his career. Currently playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, he remains one of the game’s finest physical athletes.

Looking ahead, Ronaldo could extend his World Cup goal tally in the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States and might even participate in the 2028 Euros in the UK and Ireland. Regardless of his future endeavors, Ronaldo’s European records will be tough to surpass.