OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo included in Portugal squad for October international fixtures

Portugal v Scotland - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 - Source: GettyPortugal v Scotland – UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 – Source: Getty

Cristiano RonaldoĀ has been included by Roberto Martinez in Portugal’s squad for the October international fixtures. During this upcoming international break, Portugal will be up against Poland on October 12 and Scotland on October 15, in theĀ UEFA Nations League. Both fixtures are expected to be very close.

During the September break, Portugal defeated Croatia and Scotland in the same competition. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo got himself on the scoresheet in both these matches. Against Croatia, he doubled Portugal’s lead after Diogo Dalot opened the scoring for the side. In the clash against Scotland, the Portuguese star earned the winning goal for his side in the dying moments.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now playing for Al-Nassr, missed the first AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al-Shorta due to illness. He was back against Al Rayyan in the second group-stage clash and even scored to help his team emerge victorious.

The 39-year-old also made headlines recently by conjuring up 900 international career goals. And his sublime form will be crucial for Roberto Martinez’s side in the upcoming games. Particularly against Poland, his experience will come in handy, as Portugal will be facing them for the first time in this edition of the UEFA Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact for Portugal

The Portuguese star has led his nation in five FIFA World Cups since 2006. He is currently the highest active international goal-scorer with 132 goals. Moreover, he has netted every year since making his debut in 2003, apart from the very first year.

In 2016, he played a crucial role in Portugal’s Euro Cup-winning journey. Although he had to be taken off in the first half due to an injury, he was seen motivating his team from the sidelines along with the-then manager Fernando Santos.

The 2024 Euro Cup was the only edition where he failed to score a goal. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well, he managed just a single goal. This feat made him the only player to score in five World Cups. His team was knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.

However, Ronaldo holds the record for most Euro Cup tournament appearances (6) and individual appearances (74). He managed to score in every Euros, starting from 2004 till 2020. Adding to that, he is also the player with the most appearances for a country in international football – 214.

Before the international break, he will be playing against Al-Orobah in theĀ SaudiĀ Pro League.