Ronaldo’s international career
Cristiano Ronaldo, known as CR7, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, with a stellar international career for Portugal that began in 2003 when he debuted at the age of 18. He quickly made an impact by scoring his first international goal at UEFA Euro 2004, where he helped Portugal reach the final.Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career is long. Despite their loss to Greece, Ronaldo’s performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career highlights
Throughout the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008, Ronaldo grew as a key figure for Portugal, even though the team didn’t secure major trophies. His leadership was recognized, and in 2007 he captained Portugal for the first time. He became the youngest Portuguese player to score in a World Cup, cementing his status as a rising star.
Ronaldo’s defining moment came at UEFA Euro 2016, leading Portugal to their first-ever major international title. Although he was injured during the final against France, his influence throughout the tournament was critical. This victory brought him another Ballon d’Or and solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time.
In 2019, Ronaldo led Portugal to win the inaugural UEFA Nations League and later became the first player to score in five European Championships. At the 2018 World Cup, he made history as the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament.
Ronaldo has continually broken records, becoming the top European scorer in international football and the first male player to score at five World Cups. He also became the most capped male footballer in history in 2023, surpassing 200 appearances for Portugal. His remarkable longevity saw him scoring goals across three decades, further cementing his legacy.
With over 900 career goals and multiple accolades, Ronaldo’s international career is a testament to his skill, leadership, and consistency. His ability to perform at the highest level for more than two decades has made him a football icon and a legend in the sport.