Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated football players of all time, is set to make history yet again.
Ronaldo, now 38 years old, moved level with Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa on 196 caps when he faced Morocco at the World Cup. He has since been included in the new Portugal manager Roberto Martinez’s first squad and is expected to break the record.
He will become the most-capped men’s international footballer if he plays in Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying opener against Liechtenstein on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s international career began in 2003, and since then, he has scored a men’s record 118 international goals. He has won several accolades, including seven domestic top-flight titles, five Champions Leagues, four Club World Cups, and one European Championship.
Ronaldo has also won the Ballon d’Or five times and has been named the Best Fifa Men’s player twice. He became the first player to score 800 top-level career goals in November and holds a host of other men’s individual records for both club and country.
There were concerns about Ronaldo’s international future after he left the pitch in tears following Portugal’s elimination by Morocco at the quarter-final stage.
However, he returned to play and has been in outstanding form. He has scored nine goals in ten appearances for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United in November following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club.
Martinez has said Ronaldo is “very important for the team” and “I do not look at the age.” Ronaldo, on the other hand, is motivated by records and has stated that he wants to become the most-capped player in history, which would make him proud.
He added that he still wants to be called up frequently, indicating his determination to continue playing for Portugal.
Ronaldo’s latest record will further cement his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has already achieved so much in his career and has made a significant impact on the sport.
With the record for the most-capped men’s international footballer within his reach, Ronaldo continues to make history and inspire football players and fans all over the world.
