Cristiano Ronaldo extended a landmark chapter in his long, storied career by reaching a historic tally of appearances for Portugal. In a high-profile Lisbon clash, the Portuguese star logged his 197th competitive cap for the national team, cementing his status as the most capped player in Portugal’s history and a perennial presence on the world stage.
Now 38, Ronaldo returned to the national squad for a marquee showdown against Liechtenstein, with the head coach selecting him to underline Ronaldo’s enduring value as he pursues further chapters in his international journey.
Meanwhile, Al Mutawa, also 38, remains active but did not receive a call-up from Portugal’s coach, Rui Bento, amid shifts within the Kuwait national team. The decision highlights a careful balance between leveraging veteran leadership and injecting fresh talent, a dynamic Ronaldo has navigated throughout a career defined by longevity and adaptability.
During a pre-match press conference, Ronaldo spoke about the milestone, describing it as a moment to be proud of and acknowledging the thrill of pursuing records while carrying the weight of history’s most international appearances. He stressed that pride comes not only from hitting personal landmarks but from the ongoing chance to represent his country on the world stage.
Ronaldo added that breaking records is not his sole objective but a natural result of steady dedication and consistency. He emphasized a forward-looking perspective, expressing a desire to play many more matches for Portugal in the coming years and to continue contributing to the team’s ambitions on the international scene. He noted that the journey matters as much as the destination, with each game offering a fresh opportunity to inspire teammates and fans alike. Reuters captured this viewpoint as Ronaldo spoke to the media.
The scope of Ronaldo’s career records extends well beyond international appearances. He remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer, with goals continuing to accumulate as he balances club and country duties. His honors include a wide range of individual distinctions and memorable performances across major competitions, reinforcing his reputation as one of football’s defining figures. His enduring impact in the Champions League places him among the sport’s most resilient competitors and invites comparisons with other legendary athletes that illustrate the breadth of his contributions. Associated Press highlighted these achievements in its coverage.
Following a challenging spell at Manchester United and a turbulent World Cup campaign, Ronaldo appears to be reclaiming form with his current club, Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The early phase of the season has shown productivity, with goals and leadership driving the team’s momentum as they pursue success in regional and continental competitions. His influence at the club level complements his extended international career, showing how experience and high-impact performance can harmonize across different stages of the game. BBC Sports noted this resurgence in its reporting.