Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History with 200th Game for Portugal

Title: Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History with 200th Appearance for Portugal

Published: Jun 21, 2023 00:13 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star, achieved a remarkable milestone on Tuesday as he became the first footballer in history to play 200 games for the same team. The record-breaking moment occurred during a match between Iceland and Portugal in Reykjavik, which was part of the qualifying phase for Euro 2024. Ronaldo’s goal in the 89th minute secured a 1-0 victory for the Portuguese team.

Expressing his emotions at a press conference prior to the match, Ronaldo stated, “Playing 200 games shows my love for this country, for our team, and it is not a coincidence. That’s why I am very proud. I want to continue playing, continue making my family, friends, and all Portuguese people happy. Because this has been a long road, but it won’t end soon.” He emphasized that he is not chasing records, but rather, records are chasing him.

To commemorate this historic achievement, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernando Gomes, presented Ronaldo with two shirts. One shirt bore the number 17, symbolizing his first game with the Portuguese team, while the other displayed the number 200, representing the number of times he has defended his country’s colors.

The Guinness Book of Records officially recognized Ronaldo’s accomplishment and honored him with a commemorative plaque. The presentation was made by Humberto Coelho, Vice President of the Portuguese Football Federation, as a token of recognition for Ronaldo’s extraordinary feat.

Ronaldo’s debut for the Portuguese team took place on August 20, 2003, when he was just 18 years old, in a match against Kazakhstan. Since then, he has consistently showcased his talent and dedication, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

While Ronaldo has now set the bar high with his 200 appearances for Portugal, it is worth noting that the second footballer with the most matches played for the same team is Kuwaiti player Bader Al-Mutawa, with 196 appearances. Following closely behind are Malaysian Son Chin Aun (195), Egyptian Ahmed Hassan (184), and Omani Ahmed Mubarak (183). The first European player after Ronaldo to achieve a significant number of appearances for their national team is Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, who has accumulated 180 appearances with ‘La Roja’.

As Ronaldo continues to make history and inspire football fans worldwide, his remarkable achievement of 200 appearances for Portugal serves as a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication, and love for the game.

What impact has Cristiano Ronaldo’s dedication to improving his skills and maintaining his fitness levels had on aspiring footballers worldwide

Ng for Portugal as long as my body allows me to.”

Ronaldo’s achievement adds yet another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career. Known for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability and exceptional skill on the field, Ronaldo has become a global icon in the world of football. Throughout his career, he has amassed numerous records and accolades, including multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, UEFA Champions League titles, and domestic league championships.

Having made his debut for the Portuguese national team in 2003 at the age of 18, Ronaldo’s journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the years, he has consistently showcased his talent and leadership, becoming an instrumental figure for Portugal in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

Ronaldo’s contribution to the national team extends beyond his on-field performances. He has often embraced the role of a mentor and a role model for younger players, inspiring them with his work ethic, determination, and passion for the sport. His dedication to improving his skills and maintaining his fitness levels has been unparalleled, serving as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.

As Ronaldo continues to make history with his involvement in the Portuguese national team, his presence and influence are undeniable. With his 200th appearance for Portugal, he has cemented his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time and a true legend of the sport. As fans eagerly await the upcoming Euro 2024 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo’s remarkable journey continues to captivate and inspire football enthusiasts worldwide.