Cristiano Ronaldo plays in record sixth European Championship - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to appear in six European Championships as Portugal scored a late goal to start their 2024 tournament with a 2-1 win over Czechia on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, 39, who was kept off the scoresheet, is looking to reclaim the title that Portugal won in 2016, when they beat host country France 1-0 for their first European trophy.

Substitute Francisco Conceição scored in stoppage time to give Roberto Martinez's side the win.

Ronaldo was predictably at the centre of most of Portugal's attacks, passing up their best chance of the first half when he was played through on goal by Bruno Fernandes only to be thwarted by keeper Jindrich Stanek who spread himself brilliantly to stop the striker's effort.

Ronaldo had another shot beaten away by Stanek just before the break and a header deflected over shortly after the restart.

First appearing in Portugal's squad in 2004, Ronaldo made his Euro debut on home soil, scoring his first goal in the tournament against Czechia. Now, 20 years later, Portugal faced the same team in their opening match of Ronaldo's sixth championship.

«Today begins another chapter in our history. I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories. Now, I have the honor of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination,» Ronaldo said in a post on X.

«With everyone's strength and support, we turn dreams into reality. Let's, together, fight for another triumph. United, we are unstoppable. Go Portugal!»

Since his 2004 debut, Ronaldo has featured in every subsequent Portugal team — 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 (played in 2021 because of COVID-19) and now 2024.

With 14 Euros goals, Ronaldo holds the record for the most