With the EURO 2024 squad size increased from 23 to 26 players, many young talents will get the opportunity to showcase their skills on Europe’s grand stage. Additionally, several veteran players may make their final appearances for their national teams at this tournament. For instance, Kante might not have been called up by coach Deschamps if the squad size remained at 23.
The most notable veteran is Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 39 in February but continues to excel at Al Nassr, claiming the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer title. Despite his individual success, Ronaldo is experiencing a “drought” of team titles and EURO 2024 could be his last major tournament with Portugal, aiming to repeat his 2016 triumph.
Ronaldo’s longtime teammate, Pepe, at 41, also remains a key player, significantly contributing to Porto’s solid defense. Hence, it’s no surprise coach Martinez included him in the squad.
This duo could break multiple records at EURO, including the oldest player to play (Gabor Kiraly, 40 years 86 days), the oldest outfield player (Lothar Matthaus, 39 years 91 days), the oldest goal scorer (Ivica Vastic, 38 years 257 days), and the oldest finalist (Jens Lehmann, 38 years 232 days).
Similarly, Germany’s Thomas Muller (35) and Toni Kroos (34) are set for their final European competition. Muller nearly retired from international football in 2019 after a dispute with coach Joachim Low, and Kroos officially retired after EURO 2020. However, both have returned under coach Nagelsmann’s call.
The most notable veteran is Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 39 in February but continues to excel at Al Nassr, claiming the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer title. Despite his individual success, Ronaldo is experiencing a “drought” of team titles and EURO 2024 could be his last major tournament with Portugal, aiming to repeat his 2016 triumph.
Ronaldo’s longtime teammate, Pepe, at 41, also remains a key player, significantly contributing to Porto’s solid defense. Hence, it’s no surprise coach Martinez included him in the squad.
This duo could break multiple records at EURO, including the oldest player to play (Gabor Kiraly, 40 years 86 days), the oldest outfield player (Lothar Matthaus, 39 years 91 days), the oldest goal scorer (Ivica Vastic, 38 years 257 days), and the oldest finalist (Jens Lehmann, 38 years 232 days).
Similarly, Germany’s Thomas Muller (35) and Toni Kroos (34) are set for their final European competition. Muller nearly retired from international football in 2019 after a dispute with coach Joachim Low, and Kroos officially retired after EURO 2020. However, both have returned under coach Nagelsmann’s call.
The most notable veteran is Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 39 in February but continues to excel at Al Nassr, claiming the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer title. Despite his individual success, Ronaldo is experiencing a “drought” of team titles and EURO 2024 could be his last major tournament with Portugal, aiming to repeat his 2016 triumph.
Ronaldo’s longtime teammate, Pepe, at 41, also remains a key player, significantly contributing to Porto’s solid defense. Hence, it’s no surprise coach Martinez included him in the squad.
This duo could break multiple records at EURO, including the oldest player to play (Gabor Kiraly, 40 years 86 days), the oldest outfield player (Lothar Matthaus, 39 years 91 days), the oldest goal scorer (Ivica Vastic, 38 years 257 days), and the oldest finalist (Jens Lehmann, 38 years 232 days).
Similarly, Germany’s Thomas Muller (35) and Toni Kroos (34) are set for their final European competition. Muller nearly retired from international football in 2019 after a dispute with coach Joachim Low, and Kroos officially retired after EURO 2020. However, both have returned under coach Nagelsmann’s call.