Cristiano Ronaldo is making a record-extending sixth European Championship appearance at Euro 2024.
The tournament is being held in Germany, with the final taking place at Berlin's Olympiastadion on July 14.
With Ronaldo named as Portugal captain, he could potentially set even more records, as he seeks a second European triumph with Portugal after their Euro 2016 win.
The Sporting News takes a look at the most impressive records Ronaldo currently holds, as well as the ones he can break.
MORE: Where did Ronaldo finish in the 2023 Ballon d'Or vote?
This table breaks down Ronaldo's international goals for Portugal into the various competitions in which the striker has played.
Cristiano Ronaldo's total Portugal goals
Competition | Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|
World Cup | 22 | 8 |
World Cup qualification | 47 | 36 |
European Championships | 29 | 14 |
European Championships qualifiers | 43 | 41 |
UEFA Nations League | 11 | 7 |
FIFA Confederations Cup | 4 | 2 |
International friendlies | 54 | 22 |
211 | 130 |
Cristiano Ronaldo European Championship records
Most Finals Goals
Ronaldo made his mark on the Euro stage during his debut in 2004, scoring against Greece. By the end of Euro 2016, he had equalled Michel Platini's record of nine goals. However, with an additional five goals at Euro 2020, Ronaldo now stands alone as the all-time top scorer in Euros history with 14 goals.
Most Finals Assists
Ronaldo's assist for Bruno Fernandes' goal in Portugal's second match of Euro 2024, a 3-0 win over Turkey, saw him break another record. He now has the most assists (7) on record (since 1968) in the competition.
Most Euro Final Tournaments
Ronaldo had already participated in an unprecedented five European Championships, a feat unmatched by any other player. Euro 2024 in Germany in 2024 is his sixth.
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo made his @selecaoportugal debut 20 years ago today 🤩#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/mjJ2D3Z9xT
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) August 20, 2023
Most Finals Appearances
Ronaldo's commitment to the Portuguese national team is impressive with a record of 29 finals appearances, surpassing teammates Joao Moutinho and Pepe.
Most Euro Final Tournaments Scored In
Ronaldo stands as the only player to have scored in multiple Euros tournaments three times or more. His goalscoring prowess has been evident in Euro 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage consistently.
Most Appearances (Including Qualifying)
Ronaldo does not just turn up for the tournaments as he surpassed Gianluigi Buffon's previous record of 58 appearances in Euro competitions, including both qualifying and finals matches, during Euro 2020.
Most Goals (Including Qualifying)
Ronaldo's goal scoring extends beyond the final tournaments. His incredible haul of 54 goals in Euro qualifying and finals combined is more than the next two players, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robbie Keane, combined.
'From Tears to Cheers' 🏆✨ Euro 2004 vs. Euro 2016 ✊ @Cristiano #TeamPortugal #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/1DZ4oChyto
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 10, 2022
What records can Ronaldo break at Euro 2024?
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 39 years old, shows no signs of slowing down. If he brings his A-game in Germany, several records are within his reach:
Oldest European Championship Scorer
Ronaldo could potentially become the oldest scorer in Euro history, surpassing Luka Modric's recent record of 38 years and 289 days.
Oldest Scorer in a Final
The record for the oldest scorer in a final currently belongs to Leonardo Bonucci (34 years and 71 days), but Ronaldo could challenge this mark.
Oldest Player to Feature in Euros Final
Jens Lehmann currently holds the record for the oldest player to feature in a European Championship final (38 years and 232 days). Ronaldo could surpass this record if he leads Portugal to the final, although teammate Pepe is currently older and became the oldest man to appear in a Euros match at 41 years and 113 days against Czechia at Euro 2024.
