Portugal captain

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 confirms that 2026 will be his last FIFA World Cup, Portugal and football pause to salute a career built on relentless, record-breaking longevity.

He first stepped onto the pitch for Portugal as a raw 18-year-old on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, and it wasn’t long before he opened his account, scoring his first international goal against Greece at Euro 2004. Recognized early on as a natural leader, he was officially appointed captain ahead of Euro 2008; a role he has held with fierce pride ever since.