Team Preview: Can Ronaldo Lead Portugal to UEFA Euro 2024 Victory?

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39 years old, aims to steer Portugal to another Euro triumph in what could be his final European Championship.

For the sixth time, 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal as they attempt to secure another Euro trophy.

⚽ Portugal – Tournament Statistics ⚽

Euro appearances: 18

Euro titles: 1

Best finish: Champions (2016)

Euros record: W19 D10 L10

Goals scored: 56

Biggest win: 3-0 (most recent vs Hungary in Euro 2020)

Player to watch: Bruno Fernandes

World ranking: 6th

Team nickname: Os Navegadores (The Navigators)

Group fixtures:

June 18: Portugal vs Czech Republic (Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)
June 22: Turkey vs Portugal (BVB Stadion, Dortmund, 6pm local/16:00 GMT)
June 26: Georgia vs Portugal (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)

Portugal experienced a swift decline after their Euro 2016 triumph, hitting rock bottom during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The crushing defeat by Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals left them with just one win in the knockout stages of a major tournament since 2016.

Following the World Cup loss, coach Fernando Santos ended his tenure with the national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tearful exit from the Qatar World Cup hinted at a possible retirement from international football.

Football player and manager walk off ground after match defeat. — Portugal’s darkest moment. A benched Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos look dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by Morocco [Paul Childs/Reuters]

Santos's last decision as Portugal manager was to bench Ronaldo during the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup, with his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.

Yetch, this wasn’t the end for the now 39-year-old Ronaldo, who is set to play in a record sixth European football championship at Euro 2024 in Germany.

New manager Roberto Martinez reportedly met with every player from the 2022 World Cup squad, all of whom, including Ronaldo, expressed their desire to continue representing Portugal.

21 of those players have been named in Martinez's squad for Euro 2024, including 41-year-old defender Pepe, valued more for his off-field contribution.

“Pepe's role in the locker room is crucial. His on-field presence, when fit, is significant. We have a diverse team consisting of players from various generations,” Martinez commented. “We have a great blend of experienced and young players, making it a well-rounded squad.”

Football coach encourages players. — Manager Roberto Martinez was brought in to instill a winning mentality in the Portugal players after the disappointment of losing at the quarterfinal stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 [Pedro Nunes/Reuters]

A Fresh Start

Minimal personnel changes have been offset by a significant shift in team energy since Qatar.

A strong qualification run, though against weaker opponents, has contributed to this change.

Portugal remained unbeaten in their 10 Euro 2024 qualifiers, scoring a competition-high 36 goals and conceding just two.

Martinez boasts an impressive forward lineup, including Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao, but has opted to continue with Ronaldo as the focal point of the attack.

Since taking charge in January 2023, Martinez has started Ronaldo in 10 out of 12 matches, with the veteran missing only due to suspension and load management.

Ronaldo's 10 goals in the Euro 2024 qualifiers placed him second in the top scorers' list, behind Belgium's Romelu Lukaku.

Football player strikes ball. — Ronaldo will remain the focus of Portugal’s forward line at Euro 2024, despite being 39 years old [Borut Zivulovic/Reuters]

Lingering Questions

Portugal’s qualification group was weak, making their form evaluation against top contenders challenging.

In the Euro 2024 group stage, they face tougher competition against the Czech Republic (36th rank), Poland (28th rank), and Turkey (40th rank).

After a year with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s performance against top European teams will be closely watched.

Martinez’s debut at Euro 2024 as Portugal’s manager will also be scrutinized.

He guided Belgium to their highest finish (third) at the 2018 World Cup but faced criticism for their quarterfinal exit at Euro 2020 and group-stage elimination in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

While opinions on Martinez’s time with Belgium remain divided, he is credited with instilling a winning mentality, transforming them from underdogs to contenders.

Martinez now has a similar task with Portugal at Euro 2024.

Commentators believe Portugal should shed their “dark horse” image, showcasing their talent-laden squad to win the tournament, though questions about their self-belief remain.

⚽ Portugal’s Final Squad for Euro 2024 ⚽

Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo

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 Lisbon), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), 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 (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).

Fans can catch the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Euro 2024 tournament page, featuring match buildup, live commentary, group standings, and real-time results and schedules.