Portugal UEFA Euro 2024 Squad

Portugal heads into Euro 2024 with a mix of experience and youthful exuberance. After a disappointing exit in the Round of 16 against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, manager Roberto Martinez is aiming to lead the team to a deep run in the tournament. After Fernando Santos’s reign that delivered the Euro 2016 title, Roberto Martinez stepped in, aiming to capture a major trophy for Portugal, something that eluded him with Belgium.

The Euro squad itself is packed with talent. Manchester City’s Ruben Dias is a sturdy rock at the heart of the defence. The midfield features Bernardo Silva’s creativity, Bruno Fernandes’ attacking threat, and Joao Palhinha’s defensive solidity.

Up front, Portugal possesses an array of options with Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, all capable of causing problems for any defence.

Portugal UEFA Euro 2024 Squad

Position	Name	Age	Club
Goalkeeper	Rui Patricio	36	AS Roma
	Diogo Costa	24	Porto
	Jose Sa	31	Wolves
Defenders	Antonio Silva	20	Benfica
	Diogo Dalot	25	Manchester United
	Danilo Pereira	32	PSG
	Goncalo Inacio	22	Sporting
	Joao Cancelo	30	Barcelona
	Nelson Semedo	30	Wolves
	Nuno Mendes	21	PSG
	Pepe	41	Porto
	Ruben Dias	26	Manchester City
Midfielders	Bruno Fernandes	29	Manchester United
	Joao Neves	19	Benfica
	Joao Palhinha	28	Fulham
	Otavio	29	Al Nassr
	Ruben Neves	27	Al Hilal
	Vitinha	24	PSG
Forwards	Bernardo Silva	29	Manchester City
	Diogo Jota	27	Liverpool
	Francisco Conceicao	21	Porto
	Goncalos Ramos	22	PSG
	Joao Felix	24	Barcelona
	Pedro Neto	24	Wolves
	Rafael Leao	24	AC Milan
	Cristiano Ronaldo	39	Al Nassr

Portugal Euro 2024 Key Players and Profiles

Star Players to watch out in Euro 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, the undisputed king of Portuguese football, needs little introduction. At what is likely his final European Championship tournament, the 39-year-old forward will be aiming to add another international trophy to his cabinet.

Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a goal-scoring machine, with his aerial prowess, clinical finishing, and knack for big moments still a threat to any defence. Even at his current club, Al Nassr, Ronaldo enjoyed a stellar campaign, hammering a staggering 48 goals and 13 assists in 49 games across all competitions this season.

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United’s midfield maestro, Bruno Fernandes, brings a different kind of magic to Portugal’s midfield. Known for his long-range shooting, vision, and set-piece delivery, Fernandes is a constant threat to score or create goals.

His fiery personality and leadership qualities will be vital in keeping the team motivated throughout the tournament. Even he enjoyed a remarkable individual campaign, ending as the joint-highest goal-scorer with 10 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League 2023/24.

Rafael Leao

AC Milan’s electrifying winger is a nightmare for defenders with his blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and ability to take on opponents one-on-one. Leao’s trickery provides a different dimension to Portugal’s attack.

At 24 years old, Leao has already established himself as a key player for AC Milan and has hammered 58 goals for the club.

Portugal Euro 2024 Young Talents

Gonçalo Ramos

Gonçalo Ramos, the 22-year-old striker, has found a new home at PSG after a prolific loan spell. He bagged 41 goals for Benfica before joining the French giants.

Known for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, he’s already added 14 goals for PSG. Standing at 6’1″, he brings a strong aerial presence and a knack for finding space in the box. The 22-year-old took the world football by storm when he netted his a magnificent hat-trick at 2022 FIFA World Cup in Round of 16 vs Switzerland.

António Silva

At just 20 years old, António Silva has become a rock at the heart of Benfica’s defense. Despite his young age, he boasts an impressive 94 appearances for the club in last two seasons, showcasing composure and a maturity beyond his years.

Silva’s reading of the game and ability to win aerial duels are key to Benfica’s defensive solidity. His value has already skyrocketed, with many top European clubs circling. With continued experience, Silva has the potential to become a world-class central defender for Portugal.

Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes, a mere 21-year-old, challenges Portugal’s established left-backs. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player brings blazing pace and tireless attacking runs down the left flank.

His pinpoint crosses and dribbling skills create scoring opportunities, while his defensive soundness ensures he tracks back effectively. Mendes offers manager Roberto Martinez a reliable and perhaps like-for-like replacement for Raphael Guerreiro, who missed out on the squad due to an injury.

Team Strategy and Tactics

Manager Roberto Martinez is expected to utilize his preferred 4-3-3 formation with Portugal. This system offers balance, with attacking width from the fullbacks (likely Cancelo and Mendes) and creativity from a midfield trio of Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Palhinha.

Defence: A strong backline marshalled by Dias is flanked by attacking fullbacks who can also defend soundly.
Midfield: Silva provides the creative spark, Fernandes offers goalscoring and set-piece expertise, while Palhinha or Neves anchors the midfield.
Attack: Ronaldo’s role is that of a poacher, while Jota, Leao, Neto, and Felix battle for starting positions alongside him. Their pace and dribbling will be vital for the attack.

Portugal will focus on possession-based play with quick transitions to vertical attacks when opportunities arise. Set-pieces will also be a weapon with Fernandes’ delivery and Ronaldo’s aerial threat.

Portugal Predicted Starting XI for Euro

Portugal Euro Previous Performances

The Portuguese boast a notable history in the UEFA Euros, having participated in eight editions (with Euro 2024 marking their ninth appearance) since their debut in 1984. A consistent force in the competition, Portugal has remarkably advanced past the group stage in every single tournament they’ve entered.

Near misses and eventual glory have marked their journey. Portugal has reached the semi-finals on an impressive five occasions, showcasing their ability to compete with the European elite. Notably, they reached the final on home soil in 2004, only to fall short against a surprising Greek team.

Finally, their perseverance paid off in 2016. Stepping onto the French stage as underdogs, Portugal displayed grit and tactical prowess. They first navigated a challenging group stage before overcoming strong opponents like Croatia and Wales in the knockout rounds.

The final against host nation France proved to be a tense affair. The Portuguese clinched the title with a narrow 1-0 win, securing their first-ever major international trophy despite Ronaldo being forced to be subbed off quite early.

Portugal Euro 2024 Match Schedule and Fixtures

Portugal Euro Historical Squads

Portugal’s journey in the Euros has been marked by an evolution in playing style and personnel. The turn of the millennium from the 2000s saw Portugal enter a golden generation era. Luis Figo, a world-class talent, led the team alongside Fernando Couto and Pauleta. These squads were defensively solid and relied on Figo’s creativity and leadership. They reached the semi-finals in 2000 but suffered a heartbreaking defeat as hosts in 2004, losing the final to Greece.

Following the highs of the early 2000s, Portugal experienced a period of transition. Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as the star player, but the team lacked overall balance. Euro 2008 saw a quarter-final exit, while Euro 2012 brought a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Spain.

In 2016, the team adopted a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive stability and counter-attacks. Despite Ronaldo’s early injury in the final, Portugal emerged victorious against France, with Eder scoring the winning goal. This squad, featuring experienced players like Pepe and Ricardo Quaresma alongside a young Bernardo Silva, delivered Portugal’s first major trophy.