Euro 2016 champion with Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal announces retirement at 37

Matías Persuh — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:26:38 -0500

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal became Euro 2016 champions after defeating France 1–0 in extra time.

One of the most significant milestones in the history of the Portugal national team dates back to 2016, when all of Europe bowed at their feet. With an unstoppable Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese side defeated France in the final and lifted the most important national-team trophy on the continent.

One of the key pillars of that Fernando Santos–coached team was goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who in recent hours confirmed his decision to retire from professional soccer after 19 consecutive seasons as a pro.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper has brought an end to a long career spent mostly with Sporting Lisbon. He also went on to guard the nets for Wolverhampton, Roma, Atalanta, and most recently Al Ain, where he did not see any action.

With his national team, he earned 108 caps, serving as an undisputed starter for fourteen years. He played in the 2014 Brazil, 2018 Russia, and 2022 Qatar World Cups, but undoubtedly his greatest achievement with Portugal came in 2016, when he helped win the Euro in France.

Rui Patricio (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal.

The Euro that made history

Portugal achieved an historic victory by winning Euro 2016 in France, securing their first major international title. Led by captain and star player Cristiano Ronaldo, the team navigated a dramatic tournament, ultimately defeating the host nation in the final 1-0 in extra time on July 10, 2016. The decisive goal was scored by Eder in the 109th minute.

Although Ronaldo left the final early due to injury, his leadership and crucial performances throughout the competition were instrumental in guiding the team to this epic triumph.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (c) lifts the Henri Delaunay trophy.

CR7 eyes the 2026 World Cup

The upcoming tournament is set to mark the sixth and final World Cup appearance for the legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal have been drawn into Group K, and will face Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner of the playoff between New Caledonia, Jamaica, or DR Congo as they look to advance to the knockout rounds.

Report: Edinson Cavani tops list of possible signings for Jose Mourinho's AS Roma

Martín O’Donnell — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:32:23 -0400

José Mourinho will begin his tenure at AS Roma next season and he is alreadyworking to land his first signings this summer. Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani would be one of the players the Portuguese boss has in mind.

JoséMourinho faces abig task ahead of his first season in charge of AS Roma in his return to Serie A. The upcoming weeks could see the Italian side landing its first players during Mourinho’s era, and a big-name striker such as Edinson Cavani might be one of them, according to reports.

The Special One is about to begin one of the most challenging jobs in his career after taking the reigns of several European giants. Roma finished seventh in the 2020/21 Serie A campaign and were destroyed by Manchester United in the Europa League semifinals.

Therefore, it seemedinevitable that the squad needed changes. Now that Mourinho is on board, the next step for the I Giallorossi is to strengthen its roster to keep up with the likes of Inter, Milan, and Juventus. Cavani is believed to be a key target for the Portuguese coach, whiletwo more players are close to joining the team.

Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)

Mourinho reportedly wants to bring Cavani to Roma. (Getty)

The 34-year-old striker has been linked with a possible move to AS Roma recently. Edinson Cavani has impressed in his first year at Manchester United, where he arrived for free after finishing a seven-year spell with PSG. The Uruguayan star has found the net 17 times in 39 games last season, which earned him a contract extension atOld Trafford. However, Mourinho is understood to be interested in landing him for his new adventure at Roma, and according to the Daily Star, the club hasagreed on terms with Cavani.

The striker’s contract with the Red Devils expires next year, which is why the Italian team would have to reach an agreement with Manchester United to complete the deal.

Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)

Granit Xhaka’s time with Arsenal could come to an end. (Getty)

The Switzerland international could be parting ways with Arsenal soon after five years. Granit Xhaka, currently taking part in the Euro 2020, is apparently close to joining Mourinho’s AS Roma. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Xhaka is pushing to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico and that the deal between the clubs is at its final stages.

The 28-year-old center midfield could seek a new challenge after a long time in North London, where he has been through good and bad moments. His arrival to Roma would provide a huge boost to Mourinho’s squad, as he not onlyrules in the middle of the park but hasleadership skills as well.

Rui Patricio (Wolves)

Rui Patricio could take Pau Lopez’s place at Roma. (Getty)

Another Premier League player that would join Mourinho’s team, Rui Patricio has reportedly agreed to terms with AS Roma, who are finalizing the deal with Wolverhampton, according to Fabrizio Romano. With Pau López possibly leaving the club, the Italians would be securing a safe replacement.

The 33-year-old has impressed during his stint in the English top-flight and has proven to be a dependable option between the sticks. This would be an important challenge for him at this stage of his careerwhen Roma is looking forward to bouncingback.