EURO 2024: Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe make European Championship history

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe are now the oldest players to feature in the EURO.

FOOTBALL EURO 2024: Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe make European Championship history

EURO 2024: Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe make European Championship history

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 05:01 - 19.06.2024

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe were the oldest players on the pitch as Portugal overcame a spirited Czechia team at the EURO 2024.

It was a night for the veterans as Portugal complete with Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe overcame a spirited Czechia side in their EURO 2024 opener in Leipzig.

Ronaldo and Pepe rolled back the years, making history as the oldest outfield players to ever feature in a European Championship final.

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EURO 2024: Ronaldo and Pepe make history

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At 39 years and 134 days old, Ronaldo extended his record as the player with the most tournament appearances, featuring in his sixth European Championship.

Alongside him in the Portugal starting eleven was 41-year-old Pepe, who at 41 years and 113 days, became the oldest outfield player to grace the Euros.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe have a combined age of 80 at the EURO 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe have a combined age of 80 at the EURO 2024. (Photo Credit: TNT Sports/X)

Despite falling behind early on, Portugal showed their experience and quality to fight back and claim a 2-1 victory, thanks to a 92nd-minute winner from super-sub Francisco Conceicao.

Ronaldo, now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, demonstrated he still has what it takes at the highest level, leading the line for his country with typical aplomb.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the late victory against Czechia at the EURO 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the late victory against Czechia at the EURO 2024. (Photo Credit: EURO 2024/X)

Portugal's veteran duo proved age is just a number, shattering records and inspiring their side to a crucial opening day win in their quest for European glory.

Portugal sit second in Group F behind Turkiye, who produced a masterclass display to dispatch Georgia in their opening match of the group earlier on.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Pepe Portugal