Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most famous footballer, is set to break the FIFA record for men’s international caps with his 197th appearance if he plays tomorrow.
Portugal’s first Euro 2024 qualifier is against Liechtenstein, and manager Roberto Martinez has chosen the renowned forward.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already surpassed Kuwait striker Badr Al-Mutawa, who earned his 196th cap against Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar.
The former Manchester United star’s goal-scoring form at Al Nassr has earned him a call-up, and one more international cap would see him smash yet another record.
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal at the age of 18 in a friendly against Kazakhstan in 2003, replacing Luis Figo. On his tenth international appearance, he scored his first international goal against Greece.
Last September, Ronaldo passed Ali Daei for the most international goals by a men’s player, scoring two against the Republic of Ireland to exceed the Iranian’s tally of 109.
Since then, the 38-year-old has scored 118 goals for his country.
Al-Mutawa accomplished the feat in Kuwait’s 3-0 loss to Jordan in Asian Cup qualification.
The forward, who has 56 goals for his country, is now playing in the Kuwait Premier League with Qadsia SC.
The 37-year-old had previously held the title in 2021, only for FIFA to validate Malaysia’s Soh Chin Ann’s total at 195.