Cristiano Ronaldo, the evergreen 39-year-old forward currently with Al-Nassr, continues to defy time as he gears up for his 11th major international tournament. Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, has included Ronaldo in his 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany, highlighting his enduring presence and impact on the national team.
Ronaldo, the most-capped and prolific player in men’s international football history, embarked on his international tournament journey at Euro 2004. In a memorable campaign, Portugal reached the final but were edged out by underdogs Greece on home soil. Undeterred, Ronaldo’s illustrious career saw him elevate Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and clinch the UEFA Nations League title in 2018/19.
Martinez’s decision underscores Ronaldo’s ongoing significance to Portugal’s ambitions, blending experience with unmatched goal-scoring prowess. As he prepares for yet another challenge on the international stage, Ronaldo’s legacy continues to grow, shaping him as one of football’s true icons.
Portugal Euro 2024 squad and player roster
Ronaldo’s role as captain and talisman for the squad is unquestioned, though the intrigue lies in whether he’ll start every game during Euro 2024.
Joining him are nine Premier League players, with Wolverhampton Wanderers contributing three: Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, and Pedro Neto. Manchester United’s skipper Bruno Fernandes and right-back Diogo Dalot also make the cut, alongside Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, and Diogo Jota from England’s top flight.
Adding to the squad’s experience is the legendary 41-year-old defender Pepe, who defies age expectations, and his 21-year-old Porto teammate Francisco Conceicao, marking a blend of seasoned prowess and youthful vigor in Portugal’s ranks.
| Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Diogo Costa | Porto (POR) | 24 | 22 |
| GK | Jose Sa | Wolves (ENG) | 31 | 2 |
| GK | Rui Patricio | AS Roma (ITA) | 36 | 108 |
| DEF | Antonio Silva | Benfica (POR) | 20 | 11 |
| DEF | Diogo Dalot | Manchester United (ENG) | 25 | 20 |
| DEF | Danilo Pereira | PSG (FRA) | 32 | 73 |
| DEF | Goncalo Inacio | Sporting (POR) | 22 | 9 |
| DEF | Joao Cancelo | Manchester City (ENG) | 30 | 54 |
| DEF | Nelson Semedo | Wolves (ENG) | 30 | 30 |
| DEF | Nuno Mendes | PSG (FRA) | 21 | 23 |
| DEF | Pepe | Porto (ENG) | 41 | 137 |
| DEF | Ruben Dias | Manchester City (ENG) | 27 | 56 |
| MID | Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United (ENG) | 29 | 67 |
| MID | Joao Neves | Benfica (POR) | 19 | 7 |
| MID | Joao Palhinha | Fulham (ENG) | 28 | 27 |
| MID | Matheus Nunes | Manchester City (ENG) | 25 | 14 |
| MID | Ruben Neves | Al Hilal (Saudi) | 27 | 47 |
| MID | Vitinha | PSG (FRA) | 24 | 17 |
| MID | Bernardo Silva | Manchester City (ENG) | 29 | 89 |
| FWD | Diogo Jota | Liverpool (POR) | 27 | 39 |
| FWD | Francisco Conceicao | Porto (POR) | 21 | 2 |
| FWD | Goncalos Ramos | PSG (FRA) | 22 | 13 |
| FWD | Joao Felix | Barcelona (SPA) | 24 | 39 |
| FWD | Pedro Neto | Wolves (POR) | 24 | 7 |
| FWD | Rafael Leao | AC Milan (ITA) | 25 | 27 |
| FWD | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr (Saudi) | 39 | 207 |
How many players are in Euro 2024 squads?
On May 3, 2024, UEFA’s executive committee settled on allowing national teams to expand their Euro 2024 squads to 26 players. Originally, this adjustment stemmed from the aftermath of COVID-19 affecting Euro 2020, necessitating larger squads. Additionally, the FIFA World Cup occurring midway through the 2022/23 European season had led to larger squad allowances.
Initially planning to revert to a 23-man limit for Euro 2024, UEFA’s plans were overturned when the national competitions committee voted in favor of maintaining 26-man squads, prompting UEFA to adapt their approach accordingly.
Portugal Euro 2024 schedule, matches
| Date | Match | Opponent | Venue | Time (ET) |
| June 18 | Group stage MD1 | Czechia | Red Bull Arena | 3 p.m. |
| June 22 | Group stage MD2 | Turkey | Westfalenstadion | 12 p.m. |
| June 26 | Group stage MD3 | Georgia | Arena AufSchalke | 3 p.m. |
Can Portugal replace players on Euro 2024 roster?
Teams participating in Euro 2024 were mandated to submit their final squad lists to UEFA by June 7. This deadline ensures clarity on the composition of each national team ahead of the tournament.
However, provisions are in place for teams to make replacements due to illness or injury up until June 13, just one day before the tournament kicks off. Once Euro 2024 commences, teams must address any subsequent challenges or changes exclusively from within their approved 26-man squads. This flexibility aims to maintain fairness and readiness among all participating nations throughout the competition.
