Jakarta –
Cristiano Ronaldo has held a number of important records in European Cup. The 39-year-old striker has the opportunity to add it to this year’s edition which will start soon.
Euro 2024 will be Ronaldo’s sixth consecutive regional tournament and perhaps his last. Apart from hoping to become champions together again Portugal like in 2016, maybe he also wants to etch his name forever in various achievements.
So far, Ronaldo already has four European Cup records to his name. Firstly, he is the only male footballer to have appeared in five Euros. If he plays in the 2024 edition, then he will sharpen his record to six.
The record above makes it easier for Ronaldo to set a second record, namely the most appearances in the European Cup. He has played 25 times, beating his two compatriots, Joao Moutinho and Pepe, who have only played 19 times. In Germany, his playing minutes are likely to increase.
Third, he was also the top scorer during the tournament, namely 14 goals. So far, Ronaldo’s closest competitors who are still actively playing are Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku (6 goals) and Antoine Griezmann (7 goals).
Fourth, Ronaldo is also the player with the highest goal scoring attempts during the tournament, namely 137 times. The above number is almost three times higher than the closest competitors who have long hung up their boots, namely Thierry Henry (52), Dennis Bergkamp (48), and Zinedine Zidane (48).
Apart from the impressive record he has, there is still a record in the European Cup that he has not yet achieved, but has the opportunity to get it in Germany later. What are they?
In terms of creating opportunities, Ronaldo only has 41, slightly less than his senior, namely Luis Figo, who has a record of 42 chances. His closest competitor who is still actively playing is Kevin De Bruyne with 36 chances.
In terms of scoring opportunities, Ronaldo is already at the top with six assists, but that number is the same as the legend of the Czech Republic and Manchester United, Karel Poborsky. Below him is De Bruyne with five assists.
Currently, Iker Casillas is the only national team captain who has won the European Cup twice, namely in 2008 and 2012. Ronaldo, although not as easy as the previous two records, has a chance to equal this record. He only won once in 2016
Currently, the record for the oldest goalscorer in the European Cup is held by Ivica Vastic (38 years 257 days) who scored against Poland at Euro 2008. If Ronaldo scores a goal at Euro 2024, he will surpass the Austrian player’s record.
However, it should be noted that in the Portugal squad there is still Pepe, who is 41 years old. If the bald defender scores a goal, this record will fly from Ronaldo’s grasp.
(adp/rin)
