Pepe & Ronaldo: the oldest and the longest
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature at six European Championship tournaments when he captained Portugal to a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening game yesterday [Macau time].
The 39-year-old Ronaldo, who made his tournament debut at Euro 2004 where Portugal reached the final, already had the records for the most goals (14) at the tournament, while he extended his appearance record to 26 games. He helped Portugal win the title at Euro 2016.
He warmed up for this edition with two goals as Portugal defeated Ireland 3-0 in its final preparation games.
“Another chapter in our history begins today,” Ronaldo wrote on X before the match. “I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories. Now I have the honor of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination. With everyone’s strength and support, we’re turning dreams into reality. Together let’s fight for another triumph. United, we’re unstoppable.”
At the same time, Portugal veteran defender Pepe became the oldest player to feature at a European Championship after helping his team to a win in their opening game.
Pepe was 41 years and 113 days old, taking the record from the previous holder, Hungary goalkeeper Gábor Király. Király was 40 years and 86 days old when he played against Belgium in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
It came just days after Spain’s Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to feature at the tournament.
The Brazil-born Pepe was 24 when he made his Portugal debut under Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in November 2007 when he was still a Real Madrid player. He has made 138 appearances for Portugal, scoring eight goals, getting 25 yellow cards. His one red card came in Portugal’s opening game at the 2014 World Cup against Germany.
Pepe has played in 20 games at five European Championships, a record only bettered by international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. MDT/AP
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