By playing at the EURO 2024, Portugal’s star forward Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for most European Championship appearances with six. But don’t expect him to extend this impressive record.
Speaking with reporters after helping his national side advance to the quarterfinals of this year’s tournament, Ronaldo confirmed that it will be his last EURO.
“Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is,” Ronaldo said. “But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion… it’s not about leaving the world of football.”
Ronaldo made his EURO debut in 2004 at the age of 19 and won the tournament in 2016. He also holds the record for most goals and most assists in the history of European Championships.
Despite starting all four of Portugal’s games at the 2024 EURO, Ronaldo is yet to score a goal. He had arguably his best opportunity to do so in the Round of 16 matchup against Slovenia via penalty kick, but ended up missing it.
He will get a new chance to add to his tally of 14 goals when Portugal faces France in the quarterfinals.
