Portugal's Ronaldo set for 6th Euros, Pepe also named in squad
(L-R) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Pepe and Ruben Dias prepare for a free kick during the World Cup quarterfinal match against Morocco, at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Dec. 10, 2022. (AP Photo)


Portugal's 39-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo is set to compete in his sixth European Championship, while veteran defender Pepe also made the cut as coach Roberto Martinez announced his 26-man squad on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, who has scored in every European Championship since his debut in 2004, boasts 14 goals in the finals. He also netted 10 times in European qualifying matches last year.

Currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 42 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions.

"Cristiano? It's better to talk about the data. He's a player who's scored 42 goals in 41 games for his club," Martinez said. "That shows his continuity and physical ability to always be fit, as well as the quality he has in front of goal, which we really like and need."

However, Ronaldo will not be the oldest member of the squad, with Martinez also calling up Porto defender Pepe, who turned 41 this year.

Pepe was an integral part of Porto's team this year, making 38 appearances as they reached the Champions League round of 16 and finished third in the league behind Sporting and Benfica. They are also in the Cup final.

"Pepe's role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle," Martinez added. "And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he's fit, he's a very important player."

Nine players from the Premier League have been called up, including Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota. Goncalo Inacio is the only Sporting player in the squad.

Portugal's squad for Euros

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)

Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan)