Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in Euro 2024 has been the subject of much speculation and debate, particularly given his advancing age and recent struggles at Manchester United. At 39, Ronaldo will be one of the oldest players to ever feature in the European Championship, and his form has been far from convincing in recent months. However, the Portuguese superstar remains a talismanic figure for his country and has repeatedly proven his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Ronaldo’s statistics for Portugal are simply staggering. He is the nation’s all-time top scorer with 118 goals in 196 appearances, and he has played a pivotal role in Portugal’s triumphs at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. His leadership, experience, and winning mentality are invaluable assets to any team, and he will undoubtedly be a key figure for Portugal if they are to challenge for glory at Euro 2024.
Of course, Ronaldo is not the player he once was. His pace and agility have diminished, and he is no longer able to influence games in the same way he did during his peak years at Real Madrid and Juventus. However, he has adapted his game intelligently, evolving into a more clinical and efficient goalscorer. His movement off the ball remains exceptional, and he still possesses the ability to create and score goals from almost any position.
The decision of whether or not to include Ronaldo in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024 will ultimately rest with head coach Roberto Martinez. Martinez is a big admirer of Ronaldo and has stated that he believes the forward can still be a valuable asset to the team. However, he will also be aware of the need to balance experience with youth and dynamism.
If Ronaldo is selected for Euro 2024, it is likely that he will play a more limited role than in previous tournaments. He may not be able to start every game, but his presence in the squad would provide Portugal with a potent attacking option from the bench. His leadership and experience would also be invaluable in the dressing room, particularly for the younger players in the squad.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Ronaldo in the Portugal squad for Euro 2024 is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to his inclusion, and Martinez will need to weigh up all the factors carefully before making his final decision. However, one thing is for sure: if Ronaldo is selected, he will be determined to prove that he is still one of the best players in the world and help Portugal challenge for glory at Euro 2024.
