Ronaldo Retains Portugal Spot Despite Euro 2024 Struggles
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to lead Portugal into the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign, despite a disappointing performance at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old, Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, faced questions about his international future after the tournament. However, manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Scotland.
Ronaldo had a miserable tournament, failing to score from 23 shots with an overall expected goal value (xG) of 3.6.
Only Kylian Mbappe (24) attempted more shots on goal at the tournament, while only Germany’s Kai Havertz – who scored twice – recorded a higher xG (4.12).
However, Ronaldo will continue to lead Portugal next month when they begin their next international cycle, potentially making a 12th appearance at the 2026 World Cup.
Boss Roberto Martinez told reporters of Ronaldo’s inclusion: “All players over 30 have to face their career step by step, but Ronaldo’s level is unique.
“Playing at the level he is playing, having the physical data he has… It’s incredible. Individual goals are part of the players’ careers, for us the goals are collective.
“Cristiano gave everything at the European Championship, we all gave everything, but we have to look ahead. Cristiano is important now for the national team, but no one can talk about the future.”
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Real Betis).
Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Tiago Santos (Lille), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton).
Midfielders: João Palhinha (Bayern Munich), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), João Félix (Chelsea), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting).
Forwards: Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool).
