Ronaldo at Euro 2024: When age is just a number

Even at the age of 39, Ronaldo at Euro 2024 remains full of fighting spirit and maintains an impressive goal-scoring form.

Numbers don’t lie
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven that age is just a number for him. The Portuguese striker shows no signs of slowing down despite being 39 years old. He continues to impress even in the twilight of his career, with Portugal’s national team being a top contender for the Euro 2024 championship, which is not surprising.

Wherever he plays, Ronaldo is always a leading figure. This season, CR7 has been the top scorer for both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team, demonstrating that he still possesses all the necessary attributes to be among the world’s best players currently.

Based on these assessments, some may still remain unconvinced. However, statistics never lie. Ronaldo has scored 58 goals and provided 15 assists in 63 appearances for Al Nassr since joining in 2023.

The forward born in 1985 has a total of 44 goals and 13 assists in 44 matches this season alone. These are statistics any top striker would envy. Admittedly, the Saudi Pro League is less competitive than Europe’s top 5 leagues.

Ronaldo has matured over time
Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, praised Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with O Jogo, noting how he has matured over time and become a perfect example.

Martinez said, “Every player in the national team is unique and special. Cristiano Ronaldo is an influential figure. He spreads easily, with a natural desire to win. Ronaldo has been in the national team for 20 years, but he still strives to be the best. I think Ronaldo has matured over time and is now the best version of himself.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has certainly evolved his game over the years. While his younger self focused more on speed and dribbling, recent years have seen him develop into a world-class number 9.

Giving up is not in Ronaldo’s dictionary
Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez pointed out that Ronaldo wants to continue playing until he surpasses 250 caps for the national team. To achieve this milestone, CR7 needs to play until the World Cup 2026, when he will be 41 years old.

This is not impossible for a player obsessed with training like Ronaldo. However, it remains a big question whether CR7 can reach the “peak of life” at the World Cup 2026, two years from now.

This summer, besides becoming the first player to participate in six Euros, Ronaldo will also extend his record for the most appearances (25). These are remarkable statistics achieved over more than two decades of excellence.

It’s important to note that Ronaldo is currently the greatest goal scorer in European Championship history, with 14 goals in 24 appearances at the continent’s most prestigious football tournament.

Even if Ronaldo never scores another goal and Erling Haaland also plays until the age of 39, the Norwegian striker would have to score 43 goals per season for the next 17 years to match CR7’s career total.

Ronaldo won’t be alone
Ronaldo at Euro 2024 may not necessarily mark Ronaldo’s “last dance,” but with talented players like Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, and Goncalo Ramos, CR7 can defy age once again to conquer Europe. Ronaldo still thirsts for titles, and he deserves them.