July 18, 2024
This year, Ronaldo became the only football player to have ever participated in 6 European Championships, from 2004 to 2024. Throughout this period, the Portuguese star scored multiple goals and we highlighted the best ones just for you...
The EUROs are over, with Spain lifting the trophy with a victory over England in the final. For Portugal it also ended prematurely in the quarterfinals, with Cristiano unable to add to his record number of goals at the international tournament. It wasn’t for the lack of trying by Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates, with their journey eventually coming to an end at the hands of France following a penalty shootout in the quarterfinal stage. Ronaldo admitted before the start of the tournament that this year's edition would his last attempt to win a second EUROs honour, but the famous number seven refused to rule out international retirement, as he has his sights set on World Cup glory with his national side across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. So, since online sports betting is legal in Louisiana, you can bet on Ronaldo to score in that tournament. But, with 14 goals scored at the European Championships, there is a hot debate centered around which of his efforts was his best goal at the tournament. So, which goals rank among Ronaldo's best at the EUROs?
Cristiano Ronaldo - All 14 goals in EUROs:
Ronaldo's breakthrough tournament on the international stage came 20 years ago in Portugal's home tournament and EURO 2004. The Portuguese star headed home against Greece in the group stage, but his most important effort came in the semi-finals against the Netherlands in Lisbon.
Ronaldo headed home from a corner to give his side an early advantage, and he played his role in setting up a final date against Greece. However, Portugal would eventually come up short in their attempt to win their home tournament after losing 1-0 to Greece in the Estádio da Luz.
Despite coming into EURO 2008 as one of the best players on the planet following a Premier League and Champions League double with Man United, Ronaldo failed to showcase the same form on the international stage. His only goal was a calmly taken finish on matchday two of Group A against the Czech Republic, putting Portugal on their way to a 3-1 success to top the group.
However, Portugal's efforts to win the tournament would eventually come up short after falling to a 3-2 defeat against eventual finalists Germany in the quarterfinal stage. But, EURO 2008 was statistically one of Ronaldo's worst for Portugal on the biggest stage.
Ronaldo's third attempt to win the EUROs came in Poland and Ukraine in 2012. The Real Madrid star was at his very best throughout the tournament, and played his role in helping the nation progress from a testing group, which also included Germany and the Netherlands.
Ronaldo netted twice in the group-deciding victory over the Dutch, with his second effort ranking among his best efforts at the EUROs. He received the ball 12 yards from goal, before calmly cutting onto his right foot and smashing the ball into the Dutch goal. Portugal would eventually make it through to the semi-final after Ronaldo's winner against the Czech Republic, before losing on penalties against subsequent winners Spain in the final four.
EURO 2016 will be a tournament that lives long in the memory for Portuguese fans, as it was the competition when Ronaldo finally delivered a much-craved piece of silverware.
The Portuguese superstar was in excellent form during the group stage, netting twice in a huge draw against Hungary to secure a place as one of the best ranked third-place teams. His first effort in that matchday three clash was brilliant piece of improvisation, as he flicked in from a challenging position to put Portugal back on level terms. His second goal ultimately rescued a point, and set up a knockout stage tie against Croatia.
Ronaldo's biggest international goal of his career would arrive later in the tournament at EURO 2016, as he brilliantly headed home in Portugal's semi-final showdown against Wales in France. The goal was netted early in the second period, and meant that the Welsh was forced to come out and try and attack to set up extra-time.
However, Portugal were able to pick off their rivals and added a second goal. The victory set up a blockbuster showdown against France in the final, which the Portuguese famously won in Paris against the host nation to give Ronaldo his first piece of international silverware.
Ronaldo's final goals at the EUROs were netted at the 2020 edition of the tournament, with the Portuguese star smashing in five efforts to claim a share of the Golden Boot. His final two efforts were scored from the penalty spot in a thrilling 2-2 draw against France.
Portugal qualified as one of the best ranked third-place teams, but their defence of the EUROs would eventually end in disappointment. The Portuguese suffered an early exit in the round of 16 against Belgium, before Italy went on to win the tournament following a penalty shootout success against England at Wembley.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on July 19, against Maritimo for the pre-season campaign. You can watch Maritimo vs Al Nassr, Real Madrid vs AC Milan, Man City vs Barcelona, Manchester United vs Rangers, Manchester City vs Celtic and QPR vs Tottenham, all matches provided from our football soccer game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Maritimo vs Al Nassr kick-off time (19-07-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 01:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 22:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 20:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 19:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 18:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-6: 11:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / uefa.com / goal.com
