Cristiano Ronaldo has officially etched his name into the annals of UEFA European Championship history by making his sixth tournament appearance as part of Portugal’s starting lineup against the Czech Republic in EURO 2024.

On June 19, 2024, Ronaldo set this record during Portugal’s 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in Group F. This milestone makes Ronaldo the first player to participate in six European Championships, having previously competed in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and now 2024.

Ronaldo’s journey in the European Championships began in 2004 when he was just 19 years old, in a tournament hosted by Portugal. His record-breaking appearances now exceed those of Pepe and Luka Modric, who have each competed in five tournaments. For both players, EURO 2024 is likely their last appearance.

Other notable players who have participated in four European Championships and are still active include Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Ivan Perisic, Wojciech Szczesny, Andriy Yarmolenko, and Olivier Giroud.

The previous record for most appearances at the European Championships was held by Spain’s Iker Casillas, who played in five tournaments but was a starter in only three (2004, 2008, 2012). He served as a backup in 2000 and 2016.

In addition to his record for tournament appearances, Ronaldo is also the all-time leading scorer in the history of the European Championships, with 14 goals scored across different editions (two in 2004, one in 2008, three in 2012, three in 2016, and five in 2020).

While Ronaldo did not score in the opening match, he still has the opportunity to extend his scoring record, as Portugal has at least two more group stage matches to play. If he scores, he will not only break his own record but also become the oldest player to score in the tournament, surpassing the record held by Austria’s Ivica Vastic, who scored at 38 years and 257 days during EURO 2008.

Alongside Ronaldo, veteran defender Pepe also set a significant record by becoming the oldest player to appear in a European Championship match at 41 years and 113 days, surpassing the previous record held by Hungary’s Gabor Király, who was 40 years and 86 days old during EURO 2016.

Pepe’s performance remains strong as he continues to be a key player in Portugal’s defense, alongside Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes.

In their opening match, Portugal faced a tough challenge against the Czech Republic. Despite being favorites, they fell behind to a goal by Lukas Provod in the 62nd minute. Portugal quickly responded with an own goal by Czech defender Robin Hranáč seven minutes later. In stoppage time, substitute Francisco Conceicao scored the decisive goal, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Portugal.

This win places Portugal second in Group F, tied on points with Turkey but trailing due to goal difference, as Turkey defeated Georgia 3-1 in their opening match. Portugal’s upcoming match against Turkey will be crucial in determining the group leader and potentially securing an early progression to the knockout stages.