Cristiano Ronaldo Could Claim Euro 2024 Golden Boot: 5 Key Reasons in Portugal Captain's Favour

• Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal's attack at Euro 2024, and a remarkable performance could see him compete for the Ballon d'Or again
• The 39-year-old striker netted 50 goals in all competitions for Al-Nassr during the recent season, and the Selecao's Euro hopes rest on him
• Ahead of the tournament in Germany, Sports Brief has highlighted five reasons why Ronaldo could once again be crowned top goal-scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to spearhead Portugal's attack at Euro 2024 in Germany.

The Selecao captain will make a record-extending sixth appearance in the European Championship, having previously won the tournament in 2016 with his nation.

A young Ronaldo also played a pivotal role in Portugal’s 2004 runner-up finish.

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He holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Euro history, with 14 goals.

Ronaldo is already a top contender for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024, just as he was in the previous edition of the tournament.

Sports Brief has identified five reasons why CR7 could once again emerge as the top scorer.

Why Ronaldo could win the Golden Boot

The teams Portugal will face in the group stage

Turkey, Georgia, and Czechia are in Group F with Portugal. Georgia are defensively fragile, having conceded 18 goals in eight qualifying games.

Khvicha Khvaratskhelia and his teammates qualified for the Euro 2024 playoffs based on their performance in the 2022-23 Nations League. Turkey, on the other hand, conceded seven goals in eight games, while Czechia allowed six goals in eight games.

Neither team faced an opponent with Portugal's attacking strength in the qualifications, making it easy for Ronaldo to dominate the competition's group stages.

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This might give him a significant advantage in the fight for the Golden Boot. Portugal is also anticipated to have a deep run in the European Championship.

Determined to redeem himself

Possibly the worst moment of Ronaldo's incredible career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On the grandest stage, his nation benched him while Lionel Messi, his enduring nemesis, took home the holy grail, per GOAL.

Personally, the veteran forward was not nearly at his best and it looks like he is certain to become even more driven after such a poor tournament last time he appeared on the international stage.

Although it is generally believed that Ronaldo is past his prime when playing for the national team, he has subsequently shown that he is far from done.

A strong performance at Euro 2024 will enable the 39-year-old to demonstrate his continued relevance.

Roberto Martinez's confidence and trust

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When the manager has faith in a player like Ronaldo, he flourishes. That was not the situation before prior to his terrible FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign in Qatar.

When things didn't go as planned, he had a falling out with his former Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, and was benched by Portugal manager, Fernando Santos.

The Real Madrid legend has always worked best for the managers who have faith in him. Martinez is acting in this manner and recognising Ronaldo's talent, hoping he can deliver at Euro 2024, per The Mirror.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is hardly likely to disappoint his management.

On top form ahead of Euros

Ronaldo has been playing brilliantly in the lead-up to the tournament.

In 45 appearances across all competitions, he concluded the 2023–24 season with 44 goals and 13 assists for Al-Nassr.

During the Euro qualifiers, Ronaldo made nine appearances, scoring 10 goals and dishing out two assists.

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In addition to playing well all season, he scored two goals in Tuesday's friendly against Ireland.

Even at 39, a healthy Ronaldo is a valuable asset to any squad. The Portugal skipper intends to continue his current form into Euro 2024.

Support system

Portugal's team is really talented - possibly one of the most gifted teams the European giants have ever had.

There are players that can supply Ronaldo. The most inventive football players in the world include players like Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva.

In addition, the team has young players like Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao. When given the opportunity, Ronaldo usually finds the back of the net.

There's a good possibility the Portugal captain will show off his ingenuity in Germany at the Euros.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?

Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo spoke on his retirement, being aware of the fact that he doesn't have many years left in football despite starring for his country.

The Selecao's 3-0 win over Ireland was Portugal's last warm-up game before heading to the Euros in Germany where they take on Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia in Group F.