Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today for Portugal vs Liechtenstein ...

23 Mar 2023

Portugal play their first match since the 2022 World Cup when they host Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifier. 

Qatar 2022 was a disappointing tournament for Portugal as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco. 

It was a dramatic campaign for the Portuguese with Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly dropped to the bench for the knockout rounds. 

Manager Fernando Santos departed the team after the World Cup with all eyes now on how new boss Roberto Martinez uses Ronaldo moving forward. 

MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo's salary in Saudi Arabia

Is Ronaldo playing for Portugal vs Liechtenstein?

Ronaldo was named in the Portugal squad to face Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifying on March 23. 

This will mark the first match in charge for new coach Martinez, who was most recently at the helm of Belgium during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

While Ronaldo fell out of favour under Santos, Martinez has stressed his willingness to use Ronaldo regardless of the 38-year-old's age.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who is very committed to the national team," Martinez said.

"A player like Cristiano brings experience, he is an important figure in the team. I don't look at age or other aspects.

"I think Cristiano has an opportunity to help the team and transmit the experience of his career to the other players."

Martinez has named 26 players in his first squad with Goncalo Ramos, the young forward who took Ronaldo's starting position in Qatar, also included. 

"My work is to give a chance to all players and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them." ????

Sounds like Cristiano Ronaldo is part of Roberto Martinez's Portugal plans ???? pic.twitter.com/jd3mpPUx05

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 10, 2023 Will Ronaldo play in 2026 World Cup?

The 2022 World Cup was seemingly Ronaldo's last with the 38-year-old confirming he had given up on winning one of the few trophies he hasn't lifted in his decorated career.

"To win a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after his side's exit from Qatar.

"Fortunately, I won a lot of titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but to put the name of our country in the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.

"I fought for it. I fought a lot for that dream. In the 5 times I was present in World Cups throughout 16 years, always next to great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave it my all. I left everything on the field. I never faced away from the fight and I never gave up on that dream.

“Unfortunately, yesterday that dream ended. There’s no point in reacting hot-headed. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot was written, a lot was speculated, but my dedication to Portugal didn’t change even for a second."

Ronaldo made 22 World Cup appearances in his career, scoring eight goals, and became the first man to score in five World Cups.

MORE: Watch ever Ronaldo goal at his new club Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal World Cup How many goals has Ronaldo scored for Portugal?

Ronaldo's status as a Portugal legend cannot be questioned with the 38-year-old scoring 118 goals for the Portuguese senior side, the most by any man in international football history.

He is the country's all-time top scorer and has more than double that of Portugal's next highest scorer, Pauleta, who scored 47 goals. 

Ronaldo struggled in front of goal for Portugal in 2022, however, netting just three times across 12 appearances. 

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