Could We See Cristiano Ronaldo Break More Records At Euro 2020?
There’s no denying that he is the GOAT, but with Euro 2020 set to get underway very shortly, Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to break yet more records, as Portugal aim to retain their European Champion status.
Placed in the proverbial group of death alongside the World Champions, France; European powerhouse, Germany; and Hungary – one of the 11 host nations that aren’t just there to make up numbers. It’s set to be a thrilling group – and tournament!
While Portugal aren’t tipped to make it out of the group, according to the latest bet exchange odds, let’s take a look at where Ronaldo could capitalise and take home another individual accolade.
The achievable
Most Finals appearances: 5
Ronaldo is currently one of 17 players who have featured in four Euros tournaments. Making his debut at Euro 2004, at the age of 19, he has since played in every tournament. He joins the likes of Lukas Podolski, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessandro Del Piero and Peter Schmeichel. Interestingly, he is the last man standing amongst the collective who played at Euro 2016, so undoubtedly will be a record breaker.
Most Finals goals: 9
While Michel Platini scored all nine of his goals in a single tournament – Euro 1984 – Ronaldo is level with the Frenchman for goals scored. Just one wonder-strike or well-executed free-kick will snatch the record for the Portuguese forward. Ronaldo scored his debut goal at a European Championship in Euro 2004 against Greece.
- Vs Greece (Euro 2004)
- Vs Netherlands (Euro 2004)
- Vs Czech Republic (Euro 2008)
- Vs Netherlands (Euro 2012)
- Vs Netherlands (Euro 2012)
- Vs Czech Republic (Euro 2012)
- Vs Hungary (Euro 2016)
- Vs Hungary (Euro 2016)
- Vs Wales (Euro 2016)
Most appearances: 59
This record includes qualification for the European Championships, as well as the finals, themselves. Ronaldo currently has 56 appearances, and needs just two more to tie with former Italy goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon – who holds the record, with 58.
Should he feature in every match and Portugal defy the odds and make it all the way to the final, Ronaldo will have smashed that record with a total of 63 appearances. His appearances to date have yielded the Iberian nation 36 wins, 12 draws, and eight defeats.
The aspirational
Oldest goalscorer in a Final: 36
Interesting fact: only one player over the age of 30 has scored in a European Championship final. At Euro 1976, Bernd Hölzenbein was 30 years and 103 days old when he equalised for West Germany against Czechoslovakia to force extra time. Of course, the latter won, courtesy of Antonín Panenka’s penalty – and his name remains in football folklore.
If Portugal were to reach the final, and Ronaldo was to defy history to land his name justifyon the score sheet, he would be the oldest goalscorer at an age of 36 years and 156 days.
Euro-winning captains: 2
Along the same lines, should Portugal reach the final, and win it, Ronaldo will join a very elite club – which consists solely of Iker Casillas – as being the only other captain to win two tournaments. Casillas captained Spain at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, as La Roja beat Germany and Italy, respectively.
Should Ronaldo captain Portugal to glory, he too, will not only win two European Championships, but also successive tournaments, having previously lifted the trophy in 2016.
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