According to UEFA data, Cristiano Ronaldo clocked a top speed of 32.7 km/h at Euro 2024—a pace that, while not among the top 100 fastest players in the tournament, remains impressive for a player nearing 40. Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations with this remarkable performance.
Compared to Ronaldo himself, the top speed he reached at Euro 2024 was higher than at his peak. Since UEFA began collecting data on player speeds at the Euro 2012 finals, CR7 had never reached a speed of 32.7 km/h like he did at this tournament.
Specifically, at Euro 2012, Ronaldo’s top speed was 32 km/h. The Portuguese superstar’s speed at EURO 2016 and EURO 2020 is 29.1 km/h and 29.7 km/h respectively.
Ronaldo remains persistent at 39. (Photo: Reuters)
At Euro 2024, Ronaldo has not scored after 2 important matches. In the match against the Czech Republic, the superstar born in 1985 had the chance to become the oldest player to score at the EURO, when he dribbled the ball past the goalkeeper.
However, CR7 opted to pass horizontally to his former Man Utd teammate Bruno Fernandes to score into an empty net.
Ronaldo spurned the chance to score but still achieved another remarkable record. He is the player with the most assists at the EURO (8 times), equalling the achievement of former Czech player Karel Poborsky.
“I think Cristiano Ronaldo has never been selfish. At that moment he decided to pass the ball. If he had shot straight, it would have been a completely correct decision. Ronaldo is the top scorer, but when he has the opportunity he always knows how to make the best decision for the team,” Bruno Fernandes said of the captain.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final group game against Georgia at 2am tomorrow (27 June), coach Roberto Martinez confirmed that Ronaldo will continue to start: “Cristiano will start tomorrow. Ronaldo is very important for us. He has just had an impressive season and is used to playing every game. Therefore, forcing Ronaldo to rest is inappropriate at this time.”
