Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the most capped men’s international player ever if he makes his 197th appearance for Portugal. Portugal is set to face Liechtenstein in the EURO 2024 qualifiers on March 23.
The talismanic forward is currently tied on international caps with Kuwait forward Badr Al-Mutawa, both making 196 appearances for their nations. Ronaldo missed out on breaking the record at the World Cup due to Portugal’s premature exit from the competition at the hands of Morocco.
There were doubts about Ronaldo being selected for the qualifiers due to his recent international form. However, Portugal’s new manager Roberto Martinez put them all to bed as he selected the 38-year-old in the 26-man squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s recent form in the middle east is said to be the reason for the call-up. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has nine goals in eight appearances for the Saudi-based club Al Nassr.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s advisor quits Portugal role
Cristiano Ronaldo’s advisor Ricky Regufe quit his Portugal national team role to focus more on the man from Al Nassr. Regufe replaced Jorge Mendes at the end of Ronaldo’s tenure at Manchester United.
Jorge Mendes was replaced after his relationship with Ronaldo fell apart. In place of Mendes, Regufe negotiated terms over the Portuguese’s exit from United and his move to Al Nassr.
Earning 175 million euros for two and a half years, Ronaldo is currently the highest-paid men’s footballer. His deal at Al Nassr runs out in 2025.
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