Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the most-capped men’s player in history after being included in Portugal’s starting XI for Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein.
Ronald officially registered his 197th international cap, overtaking Kuwait striker Bader Al-Mutawa who recorded 196 international caps.
The 2022 World Cup quarterfinal match against Morocco was the last time the Portuguese superstar played for his country.
The new Portuguese manager, Roberto Martinez, has called up the 38-year-old even though he is presently playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr.
The striker is expected to create more history this week, and he has been in good form for his club Al Nassr, scoring nine goals in 10 matches.
The former Manchester United player hopes to keep playing for his national team as long as possible.
Portugal vs Liechtenstein in brief;
On Thursday, Portugal kicked off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win over Liechtenstein.
Roberto Martinez’s men enter the match as favourite and things went as expected for the 2022 World Cup quarterfinalist national team.
Joao Cancelo put Portugal in an early eight minutes lead with a long-range half-volley that took a small deflection through a crowd of players.
Seventy seconds into the second half, Bernardo Silva picked up a loose ball and converted it to goal to make it a 2-0 lead.
Ronaldo converted a penalty after Cancelo had been brought down before his rasping free kick in the 63rd minute extended their goal to 4-0 against the visiting nation.
Cristiano Ronaldo International cap breakdown;
The five times Ballon d’Or winner made his international debut for Portugal in 2003 at the age of 18, with more than 100 international career goals.
Ronaldo has played and scored in 11 major tournaments. He scored his first international goal at Euro 2004 where he help Portugal to reach the final.
Ronaldo assumed the captaincy of the national team in July 2008. He led Portugal to their first major tournament title at Euro 2016.
But things didn’t go well between Ronaldo and Portugal’s former head coach Fernando Santos at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when he benched the legendary striker before they got knocked out by Morocco in the Quater final.
Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups in Qatar World Cup.
Ronaldo’s titles, goals, and assists
Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards, and four European Golden Shoes.
He has won 32 major trophies in his career, including 7 league titles, five Champions League, the UEFA European Championship, and the Nations League.
Ronaldo becomes the first player in history to score 100 competitive international goals in men’s football.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stats in 2023.
The 38-year-old veteran forward has played 11 games in 2023.
He made 9 appearances in Saudi Pro League, scored 9 goals and registered 2 assists.
He played one match in Saudi Super Cup and played one match for Portugal in the 2024 Euro qualifier.
He (Ronaldo) has scored 11 goals in 11 appearances this year.
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