After failing to break the record at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cristiano Ronaldo is on track to become the player with the most caps in the history of men’s international football. During his team’s shocking quarterfinal loss to Morocco in Qatar, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner came on as a substitute.
Together with Kuwaiti forward Badel Al-Mutawa, he holds the world record. Al-Mutawa, a Qadsia player, has not been called up to play in Kuwait’s upcoming Asian friendlies later this month. When Portugal plays Liechtenstein on March 23 in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, Ronaldo will have the chance to break the record.
Three days later, the Selecao will take on Luxembourg. Since joining Al-Nassr in January, the 38-year-old is scheduled to make his first international appearance under Roberto Martinez, the new Portugal manager. The forward from the former Manchester United holds the record for the most goals in men’s international football with 118.
The record of appearances may now also belong to Ronaldo. Al-Mutawa, 38, made his final appearance for Kuwait in June 2022, but he has not announced his retirement from international football. Andres Guardado of Mexico is the next active player on the list, with 179 senior appearances.
In both of Portugal’s knockout matches in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup, manager Fernando Santos used him as a substitute. After starting on the bench in the previous two games, it is unknown whether Martinez will bring Ronaldo back into the starting lineup for his nation.
What Cristiano Ronaldo has to say about Portugal’s participation in the 2024 Euro :
Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he will do everything in his power to be Portugal’s representative at the UEFA European Championship in Germany in 2024. In September of last year, Ronaldo made the following statement (via ESPN) at a gala hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation :
“I intend to remain a Federation member for a few more years.” I’m still inspired; My goals are very high. I work with young people on a team. I want to participate in both the European and World Cups; That is going to be assumed immediately.
The forward, who previously played for Juventus and Real Madrid, led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League and the UEFA Euro 2016 championship three years later. If he makes Portugal’s squad for the 2024 Euros, it will be his sixth appearance in the tournament, a record.
Iker Casillas, who represented Spain in five UEFA European Championships, and Cristiano Ronaldo share the record.