Cristiano Ronaldo was 19 years and 128 days old when he made his debut in his first Euro tournament.
His inaugural appearance in the prestigious continental competition was at UEFA Euro 2004, hosted by his home country, Portugal. This marked his first major tournament for the Portuguese national side.
Ronaldo's Euro 2004 Debut
Ronaldo's debut match at Euro 2004 was a significant moment in his burgeoning career. It was the tournament's opening game against Greece, which ended in a surprising loss for Portugal. Despite the defeat, Ronaldo made an impact, scoring his first-ever goal in the European Championship during this match. This goal was a header from a Luís Figo corner in injury time.
His performance at Euro 2004, though culminating in a final loss to Greece, was a clear indication of the talent that would soon make him one of football's greatest players.
Key Details of Cristiano Ronaldo's First Euro
Here's a snapshot of Cristiano Ronaldo's first Euro appearance:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Tournament | UEFA Euro 2004 |
| Host Nation | Portugal |
| Ronaldo's Age | 19 years and 128 days |
| Debut Match | Portugal vs. Greece (Opening match) |
| First Euro Goal | Scored against Greece in the opening match |
| Tournament Outcome | Portugal reached the final, losing to Greece (1-0) |
Ronaldo went on to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the European Championship, a testament to his longevity and prolific goal-scoring ability. He has scored a remarkable 14 goals across his appearances in the tournament.
For more information on past Euro tournaments, you can visit UEFA.com.
