Cristiano Ronaldo The Euro Domination: From Good to Great
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably one of the best players that the European continent has ever produced. Regarded as the best-ever Portuguese player, the 39-year-old is still playing for the national team. He is the highest goal-scorer in international football. Ronaldo has carried the hope of his nation since becoming their star man.
Recently, the Al Nassr forward participated in the UEFA Euro 2024. Portugal was eliminated from the competition in the quarter-final stage. Cristiano has most likely played in his last Euros. Despite the disappointment this time, Ronaldo has added plenty of records to his name. Let’s take a look at the journey of this sensational player who carried the hopes of millions of Portuguese.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Most Euro final tournament appearances
The 39-year-old played his sixth Euro in the summer of 2024. The journey started in 2004, when Portugal lost to Greece in the final. It was heartbreaking for young Ronaldo, who had no idea what the future would look like. Cristiano is just ahead of his countryman Pepe and former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric. Both players have played in five Euros.
Also Read: Victory for Croatia Against Portugal as Ronaldo Sits Out
Leading the scoring chart
Scoring goals in a major tournament is not easy for any player. Big players often step-up to the occasion and take their team further in the competition. Ronaldo has scored 14 times in six Euro appearances. He scored his first goal in his debut match against Greece in 2004 and ended up with two goals in the tournament. Ronaldo added one goal and two goals in the next two tournaments. In Euro 2016, the superstar scored three times to win the championship for his side. Five goals in Euro 2020 took his tally past Michel Platini, who has scored nine goals. Ronaldo added one goal in the 2024 edition.
Euro 2016 triumph
Cristiano Ronaldo achieved almost everything at club level before heading into Euro 2016. One thing that Ronaldo and the fans wished for was an international trophy. The superstar finally got a trophy that he dreamt of. In 2016, Portugal dramatically won the Euros. Ronaldo left the pitch in the first half after getting injured. He was in tears as he couldn’t help his side in the most crucial match against France.
The superstar was not just going to sit and wait for something to happen. Instead, he stood by the coach and the technical staff. Cristiano Ronaldo was motivating his teammates from the touchline. Both teams could not get past the defense and the match was heading into extra-time. But God had some other plans for the forward. Portuguese striker Eder got an opportunity from the bench and he went on to score the winner in extra-time. His goal was to win the championship for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey at the Euros ended with a bit of disappointment. Despite all the heartbreaks at the start of his career, Ronaldo went on to lift the continental glory. His record shows why he is regarded as one of the best players ever to take the field.
