Current:Home > reviewsCristiano Ronaldo, 39, to play for Portugal in his sixth UEFA Euro Championship -GrowthSphere Strategies
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, to play for Portugal in his sixth UEFA Euro Championship
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:54:28
Portugal's 39-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo will play in his sixth UEFA Euro Championship and veteran defender Pepe also made the cut as coach Roberto Martinez named his 26-man squad on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euros since his first appearance in 2004, has netted 14 goals in the finals. He also scored 10 times in European qualifying matches last year.
Ronaldo now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr where he has scored 42 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions.
"Cristiano? It's better to talk about the data. He's a player who's scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club," Martinez said.
"That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need."
However, Ronaldo will not be the oldest member of the squad with Martinez also calling up Porto defender Pepe who turned 41 this year.
Pepe was an integral part of Porto's team this year, making 38 appearances as they reached the Champions League last 16 and finished third in the league behind Sporting and Benfica. They are also in the Cup final.
"Pepe's role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle," Martinez added.
"And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he's fit, he's a very important player."
Nine players from the Premier League have been called up including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota. Goncalo Inacio is the only Sporting player in the squad.
Portugal's squad for Euro Championship
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
veryGood! (7462)
Related
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- 'We need to record everything': This team stayed behind in a Ukrainian war zone
- Michigan holds off Georgia for No. 1 in college football NCAA Re-Rank 1-133
- Jon Batiste to embark on The Uneasy Tour in 2024, first North American headlining tour
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Two Big Ten playoff teams? Daniels for Heisman? College football Week 11 overreactions
- Can little actions bring big joy? Researchers find 'micro-acts' can boost well-being
- Inflation eased in October as cheaper gas offset overall price increases
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Live updates | Biden says Gaza’s largest hospital ‘must be protected’ as thousands flee the fighting
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- House readies test vote on impeaching Homeland Secretary Mayorkas for handling of southern border
- D.J. Hayden, former NFL cornerback, dies in car accident that killed 5 others, university says
- Texas A&M needs a Jimbo Fisher replacement. These coaches are the five best options
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Man, 40, is fatally shot during exchange of gunfire with police in southwestern Michigan
- House readies test vote on impeaching Homeland Secretary Mayorkas for handling of southern border
- Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Tesla among 48,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
'Garfield Movie' gets first trailer: Watch Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson as cartoon cats
A former Fox News reporter who is refusing to divulge her sources could be held in contempt of court
Pressing pause on 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' and rethinking Scorsese's latest
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
As gasoline prices fall, U.S. inflation cools to 3.2%
Biden's limit on drug industry middlemen backfires, pharmacists say
Legal action is sought against Arizona breeding company after 260 small animals were fed to reptiles