Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo scripted history when he took the field in his side's Euro 2024 opener against Czechia on Tuesday, June 18 in Leipzig. Ronaldo became the first player in football history to appear in six different editions of the European Championship, the most for any player. Ronaldo's long-time Portugal teammate Pepe too achieved the record as his tally reached five. Portugal began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, the leading goal-scorer in European championship, began his career in 2004 and since then, has played for Portugal in every subsequent edition in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 and now in 2024.
Most tournament appearances in Euro
6 - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
5 - Luka Modric (Croatia)
5 - Pepe (Portugal)
5 - Rui Patricio (Portugal)
5 - Iker Casillas (Spain)
"Today begins another chapter in our history. I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories. Now, I have the honor of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination," Ronaldo said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "With everyone's strength and support, we turn dreams into reality. Let's, together, fight for another triumph. United, we are unstoppable. Go Portugal!"
Portugal ended up winning the game but Czechia fought tooth and nail. The first half went goalless before Czechia began the scoring in the 62nd minute with Lukas Provod getting the ball through to the net. Portugal were lucky as Czechia's Robin Hranac's own goal helped them get an equaliser in the 69th minute. The Czech side let go of the advantage and Portugal then accepted the gift. Even though they had to go to the stoppage time after the allotted 90, Francisco Conceição scored in 92nd minute to put the ball in the net rather decisively.
