Cristiano Ronaldo remains a phenomenon in the world of football. Despite turning 39 in February, he defies logic and continues to perform at the highest level. Remarkably, he shows no signs of slowing down or handing over the baton to the younger generation. This summer, as he heads into Euro 2024, Ronaldo has a myriad of records in his sights, ready to extend his legendary status even further.
Cristiano Ronaldo to become oldest player in UEFA Euro
Ronaldo is poised to set a new benchmark by potentially becoming the oldest player to compete in a UEFA EURO. However, with Pepe, aged 41, also in the squad, the competition for this record intensifies. Both players bring an intriguing mix of experience and skill to Portugal’s campaign, potentially leading the team to success.
Gabor Kiraly holds the record as the oldest player to have appeared in a UEFA European Championship match, featuring at Euro 2016 at the age of 40 years and 86 days. Lothar Matthäus is the second-oldest, having played at Euro 2000 at the age of 39 years and 91 days
Oldest Players to Play in the UEFA Euro
| Name | Country | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Gabor Kiraly | Hungary | 40 years, 86 days |
| Lothar Matthäus | Germany | 39 years, 91 days |
| Morten Olsen | Denmark | 38 years, 308 days |
| Maarten Stekelenburg | Netherlands | 38 years, 279 days |
| Peter Shilton | England | 38 years, 271 days |
Oldest Euro Goalscorers in UEFA Euro
Ronaldo aims to become the oldest goalscorer in a Euro final, surpassing Leonardo Bonucci’s record set at 34 years and 71 days during Italy’s victory over England. As he approaches 39, Ronaldo is in a prime position to shatter this record if Portugal reaches the final.
| Player | Team | Match | Date | Goals | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivica Vastic | Austria | Austria vs. Poland | 12/06/2008 | 1 | 38 years, 257 days |
| Goran Pandev | North Macedonia | Austria vs. North Macedonia | 13/06/2021 | 1 | 37 years, 321 days |
| Zoltán Gera | Hungary | Hungary vs. Portugal | 22/06/2016 | 1 | 37 years, 61 days |
| Gareth McAuley | Northern Ireland | Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland | 16/06/2016 | 1 | 36 years, 194 days |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Portugal vs. France | 23/06/2021 | 2 | 35 years, 286 days |
| Luka Modric | Croatia | Croatia vs. Scotland | 22/06/2021 | 1 | 35 years, 286 days |
| Andriy Shevchenko | Ukraine | Ukraine vs. Sweden | 11/06/2012 | 2 | 35 years, 256 days |
| Giorgos Karagounis | Greece | Greece vs. Russia | 16/06/2012 | 1 | 35 years, 102 days |
| Jan Koller | Czech Republic | Turkey vs. Czech Republic | 15/06/2008 | 1 | 35 years, 77 days |
| Christian Panucci | Italy | Italy vs. Romania | 13/06/2008 | 1 | 35 years, 62 days |
Ronaldo is the oldest player to score twice in a single Euro match, achieved against France on June 23, 2021. Only Ivica Vastic (38 years, 257 days) scored at an older age in the Euros. As Portugal gears up for their first group match against the Czech Republic on June 18, Ronaldo, at 39 years and 134 days, could become the oldest scorer in Euro history if he nets a goal.
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Cristiano Ronaldo aims to become oldest player to win UEFA EURO
One of Ronaldo’s most significant potential records is becoming the oldest player to win the UEFA European Championship. Dino Zoff is the oldest player to have won the UEFA European Championship, securing the title with Italy at Euro 1980 at the age of 40 years and 128 days. Arnold Mühren of the Netherlands also made history by winning the Euro 1988 at the age of 37 years and 23 days. As the Euro 2024 final approaches, Ronaldo, nearing 39, stands ready to rewrite history once more.
| Player | Country | Age | Euro Edition Year |
| Dino Zoff | Italy | 40 years, 128 days | 1980 |
| Arnold Mühren | Netherlands | 37 years, 23 days | 1988 |
| Frank Rijkaard | Netherlands | 30 years, 197 days | 1988 |
| Riccardo Ferri | Italy | 30 years, 10 days | 1988 |
