When can Cristiano Ronaldo make his 200th international appearance for Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo could make history during this international break as he closes in on his 200th international appearance.

The Portugal captain is currently on 198 caps, the most made by any male footballer. Alongside the appearance milestone Ronaldo also holds the men’s record for the most international goals, 122.

Since moving to the Saudi Pro League Ronaldo has withdrawn slightly from the eyes of the football-watching world. However he remains a part of the Portugal squad and is expected to lead the team out in their upcoming qualifiers for the 2024 European Championships.

When will Ronaldo get his 200th cap?

The five-time Ballon D’Or winner made his first appearance for his country back in 2003, 20 years ago, when he featured in an international friendly against Kazakhstan in the build up to the 2004 European Championships.

197 international appearances later, Ronaldo is close to the previously unthinkable total of 200 caps. If he plays in the next two fixtures for Portugal he will reach that milestone.

But the big question for Portugal supporters, and fans of CR7, is whether or not the 38-year-old talisman will feature in both games. At his age he would be forgiven for taking it easy during international break but he has shown little sign of wanting to slow down.

He feature in both qualifiers in the March international break, scoring a brace against both Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. Aside from games missed due to suspension, he has played in every qualifier since 2016, when he was suffering with a torn collateral ligament.

In short; if he can play, he will.

What has Roberto Martinez said about Cristiano Ronaldo?

After a disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco, Roberto Martinez was drafted in to take charge of this extraordinarily talented group of Portuguese players. Upon taking the job Martinez insisted that Ronaldo would remain an important part of the Portugal set up.

Ahead of the qualifying fixtures this week, Martinez was asked whether Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League would hamper his chances of featuring with the national team. Martinez insisted that it could actually help elongate his career.

“Playing in a non-European club is sometimes an advantage when playing in the national team,” the former Belgium boss said.

“We have three ways of analysing a player: individual quality, experience and commitment,” Martinez added. “Cristiano’s commitment is complete. He is an example for the locker room, an example for Portuguese and world football. He has played 198 matches for the national team.”

“Cristiano and Pepe are examples of Portuguese football, and we need them to pass all the experience and wisdom to the youngest players,” Martinez continued.