Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal’s Euro 2024 Squad with Few Surprises

Roberto Martinez announced Portugal’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday, with the roster subject to change until June 7th.

The players set to represent Portugal in Germany for the upcoming European Championship have been revealed. The national team is in Group F and will compete against the Czech Republic (June 18th), Turkey (June 22nd), and newcomers Georgia (June 26th).

Cristiano Ronaldo headlines the squad and will be participating in his sixth European Championship, having previously played in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

New inclusions to the team are Francisco Conceicao and Pedro Neto.

Ronaldo, currently with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has scored 42 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season.

“Cristiano? It’s better to look at the stats. He’s a player who has scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club,” Martinez stated. “That demonstrates his consistency and physical capability to stay fit, as well as his quality in front of goal, which we greatly appreciate and need.”

However, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in the squad, as Martinez has also selected Porto defender Pepe, who turned 41 this year.

Pepe played a crucial role for Porto this season, 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 influence in the dressing room is significant, and the way he represents the national team is exemplary. During the training camp, football is a relentless battle,” Martinez added. “It was impressive to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes. His communication and positioning make him an invaluable player when fit.”

Portugal heads to Euro 2024 after a perfect qualifying round, winning every match. Roberto Martinez boasts an almost flawless record, with 11 wins in 12 games as national team coach, losing only to Slovenia.

Before traveling to Germany, the Selecao will play friendly matches against Finland (June 4th in Alvalade), Croatia (June 8th at the Estadio Nacional), and the Republic of Ireland (June 11th in Aveiro) on home soil.

This marks Portugal’s ninth appearance in the final phase of a European Championship, having won the title in 2016, finished as runners-up in 2004, and achieved third place in 1984, 2000, and 2012. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals in 1996 and 2008, and in the round of 16 in 2020.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton)

Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Vitinha (PSG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (FC Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton), Rafael Leao (AC Milan)