No matter how many people write him off, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to deliver for Portugal.
While his move to Saudi Arabia has not been the most testing for a player of his talent, the 38-year-old has maintained his incredibly high standards for Portugal on the international stage.
Ronaldo netted twice in a 3-2 win over Slovakia on a lucky Friday 13 October to help Portugal qualify for Euro 2024, finishing the evening on 125 goals in 202 matches for his country. The forward is by far and away the most prolific player in international football history, with few signs of his ruthlessness in front of goal letting up.
Portugal have won all seven of their Euro 2024 qualification matches, with Ronaldo netting seven himself in just six outings. The former Real Madrid icon cannot be contained.
However, Ronaldo isn’t getting any younger, so will he even feature at Euro 2024 in Germany?
By the time Euro 2024 arrives next summer, Ronaldo will be 39 years old. Undoubtedly, despite his continued efficiency in front of goal, the former Manchester United attacker is slowing down.
Ronaldo has treated his body like a temple for the entirety of his career, something he is reaping the rewards of in his twilight days. However, the lack of competitiveness in Saudi Arabia and his advancing age mean that Ronaldo may not be at his absolute sharpest by next summer.
The forward has scored 11 in as many games for Al Nassr this season, while also taking advantage of some mediocre defences during Euro 2024 qualifying, but next year’s tournament will prove a tougher test than Ronaldo has faced for some time.
While the now 38-year-old shows little evidence of physical fatigue, he may have to accept a more limited role at Euro 2024, especially with exciting young forwards like Joao Felix, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos kicking about.
Having helped power Portugal to Euro 2024, the forward has no intentions of giving up his place in the squad for what will almost certainly be his last European Championship.
The striker recently said: “I hope I will be at Euro 2024 as there is still a lot of time left. I hope I won’t have any problem or injury, I hope to play.
“I left Portugal early but it will always be my home. They support me in every stadium in Portugal. The Portuguese must be congratulated too for the reception they gave us and this qualification is also theirs.”
Ronaldo is known for his impeccable standards and ultra-competitive nature, meaning there is next to no chance that he will take himself out of contention for Roberto Martinez’s squad in under a year’s time.
Speaking back in March 2023 about Ronaldo featuring at Euro 2024, Martinez was unequivocal in his response.
“Cristiano is a player who is completely committed to the national team,” said the former Belgium boss. “I don’t look at age or other aspects. He has the chance to help the team and pass on his experience to other players.”
Ronaldo, of course, has a history of lifting the Euros back in 2016 with Portugal, so his experience could be crucial for a fairly youthful side. Regardless of how many games he starts or features in, the forward undoubtedly still has a lot to offer the national side.
Martinez would be a brave man to omit Ronaldo from next summer’s squad – barring injury – and could face a mutiny if he chooses to leave the superstar at home.
If Ronaldo were to feature on the opening day of Euro 2024, he would be 39 and 130 days old. That would make him the oldest outfield player in the competition’s history, surpassing Germany‘s Lothar Matthaus at 39 and 91 days old – who ironically set the current high-watermark against Portugal.
However, Ronaldo wouldn’t be the oldest player to have ever played at a Euros. That impressive feat goes to famous tracksuit joggers-wearing Gabor Kiraly. The Hungarian goalkeeper featured at Euro 2016 at 40 years and 86 days old, guiding his nation to a rare quarter-final appearance.
Should Ronaldo feature and score at Euro 2024, he would become the oldest goalscorer in the competition, beating Austria’s Ivica Vastic. The forward netted a penalty against Poland at Euro 2008 at the grand age of 38 years and 257 days.
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