Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history by setting a new Euro record after being named in Portugal's 26-man squad for Euro 2024, announced on Tuesday by coach Roberto Martinez.
The 39-year-old, five-time Ballon d'Or winner will participate in his 11th major international tournament.
His first appearance was at Euro 2004, and he will be making a record sixth appearance at the men's continental championship. Ronaldo secured a winner's medal at Euro 2016 in France, despite leaving the final injured after 25 minutes.
Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo holds the men's world record for both caps (206) and international goals (128).
He was instrumental in Portugal's flawless qualifying campaign, where they won all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding just two. Ronaldo contributed significantly with 10 goals in nine qualifying appearances.
Praising "a player who has scored 42 goals in 41 matches for his club", Martinez said he felt that the striker continued to offer "a quality in front of goal that we really appreciate and need".
Despite his advancing years, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad. His former Real Madrid teammate, Pepe, who is now 41 and plays for Porto, has also been included due to his "important role in the dressing room," according to Martinez.
Portugal, placed in Group F, will face the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia from June 14 to July 14 in Germany. Before the tournament, the Selecao will play warm-up matches against Finland, Croatia, and Ireland.
In attack, Martinez has selected a formidable lineup alongside Ronaldo, including strikers Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and Goncalo Ramos, as well as wingers Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao.
The creative midfield will feature Bernardo Silva, fresh off winning the English Premier League title with Manchester City, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
Squad:
