Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms UEFA Euro 2024 Will Be His Last European Championship Tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo finally broke the silence and confirmed that UEFA Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship tournament. The 39-year-old Portugal superstar is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time, and Portugal has reached the quarterfinals, where Kylian Mbappé and France await in Hamburg on Friday. Fans were shocked to see Cristiano Ronaldo in floods of tears during Portugal's Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash. Known for his composure in big games, his inability to score against Slovenia's Jan Oblak from 12 yards left the 39-year-old devastated. Portugal was still firmly in the contest and had another 15 minutes of extra time left to play. However, to his immense credit, Ronaldo regained his composure and made amends in the penalty shootout with a typically brilliant spot-kick into the bottom corner of the net.

Out of form, Cristiano Ronaldo confirms UEFA Euro 2024 will be his last

There has been plenty of speculation about how much longer Cristiano Ronaldo has left at the top of football. It remains to be seen when he could retire, but he could try to hold out until the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, at Euro 2024, the striker appeared to be out of form and has yet to score despite starting every game for Portugal. His shortcomings were evident during a poor performance against Slovenia, wherein the Al-Nassr player missed a penalty and broke down in tears.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo failed to find the target during the group stage. Determined to make a decisive contribution, he aimed to do so in a last-16 showdown with Slovenia. He took several free-kicks and came close to meeting many crosses but got his big moment in extra time when he stepped up to the spot. Ronaldo saw his effort beaten away by Jan Oblak, leaving the Portuguese superstar in tears. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is participating in his 11th major international tournament, acknowledged that this summer's European Championship will be his last.

"It's certainly my last Euro. But I'm not moved by that. I'm moved by everything that football entails. The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me. It's not because I'm leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? It's not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most," Ronaldo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo Euros Record - Most UEFA European Championship goals

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the most UEFA European Championship goals, with 14. In second place was former UEFA president Michel Platini, who scored 9 EURO goals for France during his playing career. Earlier, in Portugal's first match of the tournament against the Czech Republic, Ronaldo became the first player to participate in six editions of the continental competition. He passed his former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric and compatriot Pepe, who have played in five editions of the tournament, including 2024, with Modric leading Croatia into the competition in Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and most successful captain, led the team to victory in the 2016 European Championship, defeating France in the final, which remains their only title to date.

Ronaldo has made 211 appearances for Portugal, scoring 130 goals and assisting 47 more. He is also the record goal scorer in the history of Euros, with 14 goals, five ahead of France's Michel Platini in second. Portugal finished at the top of Group F, ahead of Turkey and Georgia. The 39-year-old has yet to score in this edition but has provided one assist in the three group-stage matches so far. He aims to become the oldest goalscorer and the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer in the competition with 14 goals, has yet to score in Germany.

Cristiano Ronaldo complete stats in Euros

What's Next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal?

Talking about the latest Football news, in the Quarterfinals, France will face Portugal in the Euro 2016 final rematch. The match is predicted to go to penalties, with Les Bleus expected to emerge victorious after Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were seen struggling against Slovenia. However, Ronaldo will look to get back on the scoring sheets.