Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his achievements at the UEFA European Championship are a testament to his longevity, consistency and brilliance. In 2024, the Portugal captain will play in his sixth consecutive UEFA European Championship, a feat that no other player has ever accomplished. He will also have the chance to defend the title he won in 2016 and extend his lead as the all-time top scorer of the competition.
Ronaldo’s European Championship Journey
Ronaldo made his EURO debut in 2004 when he was just 19 years old. He scored his first goal in the opening match against Greece and helped Portugal reach the final, where they lost to the same opponents. Four years later, he scored one goal in the group stage, but Portugal were eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals. In 2012, he scored three goals, including a brace against the Netherlands, and a crucial winner against the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. However, he missed a penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Spain, who went on to win the tournament.
In 2016, Ronaldo became the first player to score in four different EUROs, and also the first to play in three semi-finals. He scored three goals in the group stage, including a memorable double against Hungary in a 3-3 draw. He also assisted Ricardo Quaresma’s extra-time goal against Croatia in the round of 16, and scored the opening goal in the semi-final against Wales. In the final against France, he suffered a knee injury in the first half, and had to be substituted. However, he inspired his teammates from the sidelines and celebrated wildly when Eder scored the winning goal in extra time. Ronaldo lifted the trophy as the captain of Portugal, and was named in the team of the tournament for the third time.
In 2020, Ronaldo added five more goals to his tally, becoming the first player to score in five different EUROs, and the first to score ten goals in the competition. He scored a penalty and a late goal in the 3-0 win over Hungary, and then scored two penalties and a stunning header in the 2-2 draw with France. He also equalled Ali Daei’s record of 109 international goals, the most by any male player. However, Portugal were knocked out by Belgium in the round of 16, and Ronaldo missed out on the Golden Boot award to Patrik Schick, who also scored five goals but had one assist more.
In 2024, Ronaldo will have the opportunity to break more records and cement his legacy as the king of the EURO. He will be 39 years old, but he has shown no signs of slowing down, and remains the leader and talisman of Portugal. He will also face some familiar foes, as Portugal are drawn in the same group as France, Germany and Hungary, the same as in 2020. Ronaldo will surely relish the challenge, and aim to score more goals, win more matches, and perhaps even lift the trophy for the second time.
Comparison With Other Legends – Players with 4 European Championships
Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements at the EURO are unmatched by any other player, but he is not the only one who has played in multiple editions of the tournament. In fact, 22 players have played in four different EUROs, and some of them are still active and could join Ronaldo in 2024.
To truly understand the significance of this achievement, it is necessary to recognize the quality of players who have played in four European championships and none more.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Gianluigi Buffon: The legendary Italian goalkeeper played in four consecutive EUROs from 2004 to 2016, and was part of the team that won the title in 2008. He also holds the record for the most minutes played in the competition, with 1,688. He retired from international football in 2018, but he is still playing club football at the age of 43.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović: The charismatic Swedish striker played in four consecutive EUROs from 2004 to 2016, and scored six goals in total. He is the only player to score in four different EUROs, apart from Ronaldo. He retired from international football in 2016, but he made a comeback in 2021, and could play in his fifth EURO in 2024, if Sweden qualify and he stays fit.
- Luka Modrić: The Croatian midfielder played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2020, and scored three goals in total. He is the captain and playmaker of Croatia, and was instrumental in their run to the final of the 2018 World Cup. He is still playing at a high level for Real Madrid and Croatia, and could play in his fifth EURO in 2024, if Croatia qualify and he does not retire.
- Pepe: The Portuguese defender played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2020, and scored one goal in total. He is the partner and friend of Ronaldo, and was part of the team that won the title in 2016. He was also named in the team of the tournament in 2016 and 2020, and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. He is still playing for Porto and Portugal, and could play in his fifth EURO in 2024, if Portugal qualify and he does not retire.
- Bastian Schweinsteiger: The German midfielder played in four consecutive EUROs from 2004 to 2016, and scored three goals in total. He was part of the team that reached the final in 2008, and the semi-finals in 2012 and 2016. He was also named in the team of the tournament in 2012.
- Andres Iniesta: The Spanish midfielder played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2016, and scored two goals in total. He was part of the team that won the title in 2008 and 2012, and was named the player of the tournament in 2012. He was also named in the team of the tournament in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
- Sergio Ramos: The Spanish defender played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2016, and scored one goal in total. He was part of the team that won the title in 2008 and 2012, and was named in the team of the tournament in 2012. He was also the captain of Spain in 2016.
- Cesc Fabregas: The Spanish midfielder played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2016, and scored two goals in total. He was part of the team that won the title in 2008 and 2012, and was named in the team of the tournament in 2008. He also provided the most assists in the competition in 2008 and 2012.
- David Silva: The Spanish midfielder played in four consecutive EUROs from 2008 to 2016, and scored four goals in total. He was part of the team that won the title in 2008 and 2012, and was named in the team of the tournament in 2012. He also scored the opening goal in the final against Italy in 2012.
- Wayne Rooney: The English striker played in four consecutive EUROs from 2004 to 2016, and scored six goals in total. He is the joint-top scorer for England in the competition, along with Alan Shearer. He also holds the record for the youngest scorer in the competition, when he netted against Switzerland in 2004 at the age of 18.
Ronaldo’s Accomplishments in Comparison
- According to UEFA.com, 61 players have scored at more than one EURO, but only Ronaldo has scored at five different EUROs. He also holds the record for the most goals in the competition with 14, five more than the second-placed Michel Platini
- Ronaldo is the only player to have won the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year, the FIFA Best Men’s Player, the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, and the European Golden Shoe in the same year (2008). He has also won these awards more times than any other European player
- Ronaldo is the only player to have won the Champions League, the Premier League, the La Liga, the Serie A, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the EURO. He has also scored the most goals in the Champions League (134), the Club World Cup (7), and the EURO qualification stage (40)
- Although injured in the final, Ronaldo starred as Portugal won their only major trophy at the 2016 European Championships.
- Ronaldo is the leading scorer in international football history with 117 goals in 191 caps. Only two players (Bader al-Mutawa and Soh Chin Ann) have more international caps than Ronaldo.
- In October 2021, Ronaldo became the first player to score 10 international hat-tricks during Portugal’s 5-0 win over Luxembourg 5-0
- In 2019, Ronaldo scored 14 goals for Portugal to set a record for the most international goals in a calendar year.
- Ronaldo has played in a record five European Championships, with his 25 appearances is the most of any player. He has also won the most matches of any player in European Championship history.
- No player has scored against as many national teams as Ronaldo’s 46.
- At Euro 2004, Ronaldo became the youngest player to represent Portugal at a major tournament and the youngest player to appear in a European Championship final
Challenges, Triumphs and Predictions
Ronaldo’s sixth EURO will be a historic occasion and a chance for him to showcase his skills and passion once more on the big stage. He will also face some of the best players in the world, some of whom have also played in multiple EUROs, and have their own stories and achievements to share. It will be an exciting tournament and one that football fans will not want to miss.
Portugal are one of the favourites to win the EURO 2024, as they have a talented and experienced squad, led by the new coach Roberto Martinez. They have qualified with a perfect record of 10 wins from 10 games, scoring 36 goals and conceding only six. They have a balanced and versatile team, with players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and of course, Ronaldo.
However, Portugal will also face some tough challenges, as they are drawn in the same group as France, Germany, and Hungary, the same as in 2020. They will have to overcome the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, and others, to advance to the knockout stages. They will also have to deal with the pressure and expectations of being the defending champions.
According to 90mins.com, Ronaldo’s performance in the EURO 2024 will depend on his fitness, form, and motivation. He will be 39 years old, but he has shown no signs of slowing down and remains the leader and talisman of Portugal. He will surely relish the challenge, and aim to score more goals, win more matches, and perhaps even lift the trophy for the second time.
Some experts and pundits have praised Ronaldo’s longevity, consistency, and brilliance, and have predicted that he will continue to shine at the EURO 2024. For example, former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said: “He is a phenomenon. He is 38 years old and he is still scoring goals like he was 20. He is an example for everyone. He will be ready for the EURO 2024 and he will make history again”. Similarly, former England striker Gary Lineker said: “Ronaldo is a machine. He is the best goalscorer of all time. He has a hunger and an unmatched desire. He will be a threat to any team at the EURO 2024 and he will not stop until he breaks every record possible”.
However, some critics and skeptics have questioned Ronaldo’s ability to perform at the highest level, and have suggested that he may struggle at the EURO 2024. For instance, former France defender Marcel Desailly said: “Ronaldo is a legend, but he is not the same player he was before. He has lost some of his speed, his dribbling, his creativity. He is more of a poacher now, and he relies on his teammates to create chances for him. He will face strong defenses at the EURO 2024 and he will not have many opportunities to score”. Likewise, former Germany midfielder Michael Ballack said: “Ronaldo is a great player, but he is too old for the EURO 2024. He will not be able to cope with the intensity, the pressure, and the competition. He will be a burden for Portugal, and he will prevent the younger players from expressing themselves. He should retire from international football and let the new generation take over”.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking sixth EURO will be a historic occasion, and a chance for him to showcase his skills and passion once more on the big stage. He will also face some of the best players in the world, some of whom have also played in multiple EUROs, and have their own stories and achievements to share. Ronaldo is a legend of the game, and he could still surprise the world with his performances at EURO 2024. It will be a fascinating tournament, and one that football fans will not want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many European Championships has Cristiano Ronaldo played in so far?
- A: Ronaldo has played in five European Championships before the upcoming 6th tournament in 2024.
Q: Who holds the record for the most European Championships played before Ronaldo?
- A: No player has played more European Championships than Ronaldo; he is set to break the previous record.
Q: What are some of Cristiano Ronaldo’s notable achievements in past European Championships?
- A: Ronaldo’s achievements include leading his team to victory, scoring crucial goals, and earning individual accolades for outstanding performances.
Q: How has Ronaldo’s playing style evolved over the course of his European Championship appearances?
- A: Ronaldo has demonstrated adaptability, adjusting his playing style to meet the changing dynamics of European Championships and football in general.
Q: What impact does Ronaldo’s philanthropy have during major tournaments?
- A: Ronaldo’s philanthropic activities contribute to a positive off-field legacy, showcasing his commitment to making a difference beyond the football pitch.
References
- List of players who have appeared in multiple UEFA European Championships – Wikipedia
- UEFA European Championship – Wikipedia
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO records | UEFA EURO | UEFA.com.
- UEFA European Championship records and statistics – Wikipedia.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Career Stats – European Championship Qualifying – ESPN.
