Cristiano Ronaldo made history as he captained Portugal in their opening game against the Czech Republic at the European Championship, becoming the first player to feature in six editions of the tournament. The 39-year-old star, who debuted at Euro 2004, holds the records for the most goals (14) and appearances (25) in the competition. Ronaldo played a crucial role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and recently scored two goals in a 3-0 victory over Ireland in the team's final warm-up match.
In a message before the game, Ronaldo reflected on his journey with the national team, expressing pride in being part of a talented and determined squad. The prolific forward has scored a total of 130 goals in 207 games for Portugal since his debut at the age of 18 in 2003. His appearance against the Czech Republic marked his 208th cap for his country.
Ronaldo's impressive form continued from the club season, where he set a goal-scoring record of 35 goals for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Despite facing some controversies during the season, including a suspension for an obscene gesture, Ronaldo's performance on the field remained exceptional. He joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United and has previously enjoyed successful spells at Juventus and Real Madrid, winning the Champions League multiple times.
Having finished as the joint-top scorer at Euro 2020, Ronaldo faced off against Czech forward Patrik Schick in the opening match. The Portuguese star has a history of scoring against the Czech Republic in previous editions of the tournament. With his experience, skill, and leadership, Ronaldo continues to be a key figure for both Portugal and his club teams, showcasing his unwavering commitment to success on the pitch.
As Ronaldo embarks on another Euro campaign, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his performances and contributions to Portugal's quest for glory. His legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport is further solidified with each milestone he achieves, inspiring a new generation of footballers to strive for excellence.
