Ali daei

The UEFA European Championship: For 23 years, one man has carried the hopes of an entire nation through six European Championships, six World Cups, and a captaincy that has spanned almost two decades. As Cristiano Ronaldo's glittering World Cup career ends after Portugal's defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, Portugal and football pause to salute a career built on relentless, record-breaking longevity.

Ronaldo first represented Portugal as an 18-year-old against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, before announcing himself on the big stage with his maiden international goal against Greece at UEFA Euro 2004. Recognised early as a leader, he was appointed Portugal captain ahead of Euro 2008, a responsibility he has carried with distinction for nearly 18 years.

Over the course of his international career, Ronaldo rewrote football's record books. He became Portugal's all-time leading scorer in 2014 after surpassing Pauleta's tally of 47 goals and, in 2021, overtook Iran's Ali Daei to become the highest goalscorer in men's international football history. Even after reaching the landmark of 200 international appearances in June 2023, his appetite for success remained undiminished.