Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-capped male player in football history and continues to add to his goal tally, but what is his true level now?

[Rafael Leao](https://theathletic.com/football/player/rafael-leao-oUZsppBnKSqUIPA0/) had to make do with a substitute appearance and so did [Goncalo Ramos](https://theathletic.com/football/player/goncalo-ramos-JFwYvIckETQ44FZx/), despite 23 goals for Benfica this season (and a hat-trick when he took Ronaldo’s place against [Switzerland](https://theathletic.com/football/team/switzerland/) in the World Cup). But there are also journalists and fans who think it would be best for Portugal if he had retired from the national team and you could say they were vindicated with what happened in the World Cup.” Ramos did eventually replace Ronaldo on a night when [Bernardo Silva](https://theathletic.com/football/player/bernardo-silva-ggVYkgD9dgp7Qo28/) added Portugal’s other goal and [Diogo Jota](https://theathletic.com/football/player/diogo-jota-iprL3ZwHJArLGyuc/) was an unused substitute. [Joao Felix](https://theathletic.com/football/player/joao-felix-ucCJXAWiq0yowCTd/), the [Chelsea](https://theathletic.com/football/team/chelsea/) loanee who played alongside Ronaldo, is developing into a player of real substance. [Morocco](https://theathletic.com/football/team/morocco/) in the quarter-finals. And good luck to Cancelo for the first goal, if he wants to deny Ronaldo what would be his 11th hat-trick for Portugal. Last weekend, football news outlets throbbed with the news Ronaldo had fizzed in a 30-yard free kick in his latest assignment for Al Nassr. Few in the Portuguese media, it seems, want to challenge his position and the crowd in Lisbon could be guaranteed to cheer his name louder than any other player. Or should we still consider him capable of troubling the most accomplished defences, contrary to what was seen in the World Cup and the verdict of Erik ten Hag, United’s manager? “He’s one of the greatest players of all time and he has always been proud to play for Portugal. As it turned out, Martinez has not changed a huge amount since taking the job, calling up 23 of the 26 players who played in the World Cup. Ever the showman, he proceeded to score two goals in a freewheeling 4-0 win over Liechtenstein and might eventually be credited with a hat-trick given

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the most capped men's player in international football after making his 197th Portugal appearance on Thursday.

He scored his first international goal during a Euro 2004 group stage game against Greece 10 months later. Ronaldo appeared as a substitute in both of his side's knockout matches. [Benfica](/soccer/team?id=1929) striker [Goncalo Ramos](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/288896/Goncalo-Ramos), scored a hat trick in their 6-1 win over [Switzerland](/soccer/team?id=475) in the round of 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for the most international caps as Portugal played Liechtenstein on Thursday and celebrated the milestone with a ...

Register for free to Reuters and know the full story "And Ronaldo has huge commitment to the national team, is a major figure for it, and has experience he can pass on." It extended Ronaldo's record for the most goals in international football to 119, although he had earlier missed gilt-edged chances when he skied the ball in front of goal and glanced a header wide.

It was a record-breaking night for Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane as qualifying for the European Championship in 2024 got underway on Thursday.

Russia is banned by UEFA from competing in qualifying for Euro 2024. The teams have met since then — twice, in fact, with Italy gaining a win and a draw in Nations League qualifying last year. “It is very important that a player shows commitment and that he can use his experience. “It’s a new cycle,” Martinez said. 197 in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Liechtenstein. Italy lost to England in a competitive match for the first time since a World Cup qualifier at Wembley back in 1977.

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for the highest number of international appearances as he scored twice in Portugal's 4-0 win over Liechtenstein.

[with a 2-0 win in San Marino](https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0323/1365897-charles-bags-brace-as-northern-ireland-beat-san-marino/). [with a 2-1 win at the home of reigning champions Italy](https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0323/1365896-kane-breaks-rooney-record-as-ten-man-england-beat-italy/).

Ronaldo converted a penalty kick and scored off a free kick while making his 197th appearance with the national team.

He also set up Bernardo Silva’s close-range goal in the 47th and the penalty that Ronaldo converted for the third goal. Cristiano has that: A lot of experience and a lot of commitment to the national team.” Ronaldo converted a penalty kick and scored off a free kick while making his 197th appearance with the national team. “To be in the national team, you have to be committed,” Martínez said of Ronaldo. He had said his return to the national team was in doubt after the World Cup, but eventually decided it was not time “to throw in the towel.” The game marked the debut of coach Roberto Martínez with Portugal.