Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 Legacy: A Tournament of Records

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey through the UEFA European Championship has been nothing short of legendary, and EURO 2016 stands out as a pivotal chapter in this saga. While his overall UEFA European Championship goals tally reached an impressive 14 at UEFA EURO 2020, solidifying his position at the top of the all-time rankings, it was EURO 2016 that truly cemented his legacy as a record-breaker on the European stage. Let’s delve into the EURO records that Ronaldo either broke or solidified during his illustrious career, with a special focus on his remarkable EURO 2016 performance.

Ronaldo’s Reign as the Ultimate EURO Goalscorer

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess at the EURO is unmatched. He first announced his arrival on the EURO stage with a goal against Greece on 12 June 2004. By EURO 2016, he had equaled Michel Platini’s record of nine finals goals, a feat in itself. However, he didn’t stop there. Further goals in subsequent EURO tournaments, particularly at EURO 2020, propelled him to a record-setting 14 goals, leaving other legends in his wake.

Here’s a look at the top EURO goalscorers:

EURO All-Time Top Scorers

14 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
9 Michel Platini (France)
7 Alan Shearer (England)
7 Antoine Griezmann (France)
7 Álvaro Morata (Spain)
7 Harry Kane (England)
6 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)
6 Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands)
6 Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
6 Wayne Rooney (England)
6 Thierry Henry (France)
6 Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
6 Nuno Gomes (Portugal)
6 Patrik Schick (Czechia)
6 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating a goal during Euro 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration during UEFA Euro 2016, symbolizing his goal-scoring dominance in the tournament.

Unparalleled EURO Tournament Appearances: The Longevity of Ronaldo

Before EURO 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo already stood out by having played in four different EURO tournaments. EURO 2016 marked his fourth appearance, adding to his already impressive tally from 2004, 2008, and 2012. He then extended this record to five at EURO 2020 and further to six at EURO 2024, an astonishing testament to his enduring career at the highest level of European football. EURO 2016 was a crucial tournament in establishing this record of longevity and consistent presence on the EURO stage.

Most EURO Final Tournaments Played

6 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
5 Pepe (Portugal 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
5 Luka Modrić, Croatia (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Lothar Matthäus (West Germany/Germany 1980, 1984, 1988, 2000)
4 Peter Schmeichel (Denmark 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000)
4 Alessandro Del Piero (Italy 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
4 Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
4 Lilian Thuram (France 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
4 Olof Mellberg (Sweden 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012)
4 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Petr Čech (Czech Republic 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Andreas Isaksson (Sweden 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Kim Källström (Sweden 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Jaroslav Plašil (Czech Republic 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Lukas Podolski (Germany 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Tomáš Rosický (Czech Republic 2000, 2004, 2012, 2016)
4 Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Darijo Srna (Croatia 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
4 Giorgio Chiellini (Italy 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
4 Sebastian Larsson (Sweden 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
4 João Moutinho (Portugal 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
4 Olivier Giroud (France 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Toni Kroos (Germany 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Robert Lewandowski (Poland 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Manuel Neuer (Germany 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Thomas Müller (Germany 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Ivan Perišić (Croatia 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
4 Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)

Most EURO Finals Appearances: A Consistent Performer

Cristiano Ronaldo’s commitment to the EURO tournaments is further highlighted by his record for most finals appearances. He has only missed one match in his EURO career prior to EURO 2024, sitting out a game against Switzerland in 2008 when Portugal had already qualified. By EURO 2016, he had already accumulated a significant number of appearances, and he continued to add to this record in subsequent tournaments. His teammate Pepe follows him in this ranking, showcasing Portugal’s consistent presence in EURO competitions.

Most EURO Finals Appearances

30 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
23 Pepe (Portugal)
20 Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Multiple EURO Finals: Reaching the Peak Twice

Ronaldo has reached the EURO final twice in his career, in 2004 and famously in 2016, winning the latter. This places him among an elite group of players who have graced the EURO final stage multiple times. His participation in the EURO 2016 final, where Portugal triumphed over France, is an iconic moment in football history and a testament to his leadership and determination.

Most Appearances in a EURO Final

2 Valentin Ivanov (Soviet Union 1960, 1964)
2 Viktor Ponedelnik (Soviet Union 1960, 1964)
2 Lev Yashin (Soviet Union 1960, 1964)
2 Franz Beckenbauer (West Germany 1972, 1976)
2 Uli Hoeness (West Germany 1972, 1976)
2 Sepp Maier (West Germany 1972, 1976)
2 Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck (West Germany 1972, 1976)
2 Herbert Wimmer (West Germany 1972, 1976)
2 Bernard Dietz (West Germany 1976, 1980)
2 Thomas Hässler (Germany 1992, 1996)
2 Thomas Helmer (Germany 1992, 1996)
2 Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany 1992, 1996)
2 Matthias Sammer (Germany 1992, 1996)
2 Xavi Hernández (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Andrés Iniesta (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Cesc Fàbregas (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 David Silva (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Fernando Torres (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Sergio Ramos (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Xabi Alonso (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Iker Casillas (Spain 2008, 2012)
2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal 2004, 2016)
2 Leonardo Bonucci (Italy 2012, 2020)
2 Giorgio Chiellini (Italy 2012, 2020)
2 Jordan Pickford (England 2020, 2024)
2 Kyle Walker (England 2020, 2024)
2 John Stones (England 2020, 2024)
2 Luke Shaw (England 2020, 2024)
2 Declan Rice (England 2020, 2024)
2 Harry Kane (England 2020, 2024)
2 Bukayo Saka (England 2020, 2024)

Scoring in Multiple EURO Tournaments: A Record of Consistency

Cristiano Ronaldo is unique in his consistent goal-scoring across multiple EURO tournaments. He scored in EURO 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. His ability to find the net in five different editions of the tournament is a testament to his sustained excellence and adaptability over nearly two decades at the top of international football. EURO 2016 was one of the tournaments where he contributed significantly to this record, scoring crucial goals for Portugal.

Scoring in 3+ EUROs

Dominance in EURO Qualifying and Finals: An Unmatched Total

Ronaldo’s impact isn’t limited to just the EURO finals; his influence extends to the qualifying stages as well. He surpassed Gianluigi Buffon’s record of 58 appearances in EURO competitions (qualifying and finals) during EURO 2020. His total appearances and goals in both qualifying and final tournaments are in a league of their own.

Most Appearances (Including Qualifying)

74 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
62 Luka Modrić (Croatia)
58 Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
51 Mario Frick (Liechtenstein)
51 Jan Vertonghen (Belgium)

The Highest Goal Count in EURO History (Qualifying and Finals)

When it comes to scoring in EURO competitions, including qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo is in a different stratosphere. His staggering 55 goals in EURO qualifying and finals are almost more than the combined total of the next two players on the list. This record underscores his consistent goal-scoring ability and his crucial role in Portugal’s EURO campaigns, including their successful EURO 2016 run.

Most Goals Including Qualifying

55 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
30 Harry Kane (England)
28 Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
27 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO 2016 journey was more than just a tournament; it was a record-breaking spectacle that further cemented his status as a EURO legend. His achievements across various EURO tournaments, highlighted by the victory in EURO 2016, are a testament to his enduring talent, dedication, and unparalleled impact on European football.

Ronaldo’s EURO Finals Match Log

* Ties decided in extra time or on penalties are classed as either wins or defeats.