Cristiano Ronaldo: How Did the World Look When Portugal Star Debuted in the Euros in 2004?

• Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off his record sixth - and most likely final - European Championship on Tuesday evening
• The Al-Nassr captain featured for Portugal when his side took on the Czech Republic in their Group F Euro opener
• Sports Brief takes a look at some significant events from that year when Ronaldo first stepped onto the Euro stage

Euro 2024 marks Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth appearance in the tournament, setting a record as the only European footballer to compete in so many consecutive European Championships.

The 39-year-old, already a legend in world football, now has the chance to add even more records to his illustrious career.

Back in Euro 2004, a 19-year-old Ronaldo made his debut against Greece in a home match, per UEFA.

A list of players who played for Inter Milan and AC Milan

Football

Wearing the number 17 jersey, the ex-Manchester United star experienced a heartbreaking loss, showing the world the first tears of a future football icon.

What was happening in the world when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner first stepped onto the Euro stage?

Sports Brief takes a look at some significant events from that year.

Where were Messi, Mbappe and Bellingham?

In 2004, Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona, stepping onto the pitch against Espanyol, per ESPN.

It would be a few years before the era of the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry would dominate football.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz and Jude Bellingham were just one year old, and Kylian Mbappe was five.

Lamin Yamal wasn't even born yet.

FIFA 2004 video game

FIFA 2004 was released, featuring Alessandro Del Piero, Thierry Henry, and Ronaldinho on its cover.

Ronaldo and Modric Share Heartwarming Moment After Portugal vs Croatia Clash

Football

Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho was depicted in his Brazil kit, while Del Piero and Henry sported their club jerseys from Juventus and Arsenal, respectively.

Diego Simeone's final playing days

Diego Simeone was wrapping up his playing career at Atletico Madrid.

Years later, the Argentine would return to the club as a coach, transforming them into a formidable force in Spanish football.

Federer vs. Nadal: The first encounter

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced each other for the first time on a tennis court in Miami, where Federer triumphed.

This match marked the beginning of a legendary rivalry in the world of tennis.

Andriy Shevchenko: Ballon d'Or winner

2004 was a landmark year for Ukrainian football as Andriy Shevchenko claimed the Ballon d'Or.

While Ronaldo was still dreaming of such accolades, Shevchenko was already celebrating his victory, amid Ukraine's first revolution.

Surprising NBA Champions

Why Alisson wore bizarre number 110 shirt during Brazil vs Mexico match

Football

The Los Angeles Lakers, featuring stars like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, and Gary Payton, were expected to win the NBA championship.

However, it was the Detroit Pistons who shocked everyone by taking home the title.

Technological and cultural milestones

In 2004, social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok hadn't yet emerged.

Facebook, launched by Mark Zuckerberg, was starting to revolutionize social networking.

Netflix was far from its streaming dominance, and the iconic Nokia 3310 was the best-selling phone.

Ronaldo establishes new record at Euro 2024

Sports Brief earlier noted that Ronaldo had already established a new record before taking the field for Portugal at Euro 2024.

The Al-Nassr star's participation in this tournament marks him as the first player to compete in six European Championships, having been part of every edition since the 2004 home Euros.

While Ronaldo ranks among the oldest outfield players in this year's competition, his teammate Pepe, aged 41, takes the overall accolade in that category.