Portugal Euro 2024 squad: Who Roberto Martinez will take to Germany
12 December, 2025n8rngtd.top0 Comments1 category
The Selecao have a decent chance of tasting continental glory this summer if they play to their full potential
Although England and France must be seen as favourites, it wouldn't be a reach to place Portugal in the next crop of teams most likely to lift the Euro 2024 trophy in Germany this summer.
After an underwhelming showing three years ago, where they were dumped out of the competition in the last 16 at the hands of Belgium, as well as a shock World Cup quarter-final exit to Morocco in Qatar, the Selecao will be motivated to put in a better showing this time around.
Fernando Santos left his post following that defeat to the north African side, with Roberto Martinez stepping into the hotseat in his stead. The former Belgium boss was not a universally-popular choice, but he's done an impressive job thus far, as his side won each of his opening 10 games in charge.
Martinez is blessed with a group bulging with talent, and they should be extra motivated to perform for Cristiano Ronaldo, in what is likely to be his last-ever international tournament. But who made Portugal's 26-player Euro squad? GOAL takes a look…
Portugal are blessed with a strong pool of goalkeepers heading into the tournament. Porto's young shot-stopper Diogo Costa – linked with several Premier League sides in the recent past – has emerged as the No.1, but should he not be available, both Roma's Rui Patricio and Wolves' Jose Sa are more than capable of stepping in.
Name
Club
Diogo Costa
Porto
Rui Patricio
Roma
Jose Sa
Wolves
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DEFENDERS
Portugal's defensive options are strong, too. Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are nailed-on starters at the back, while Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has proved a popular choice down the left-hand side of defence.
The question of who will partner Dias at centre-back is more open. Martinez has flipped between a back four and back three since taking over, with youngsters Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva both receiving minutes. though the ageless Pepe remains an option, too.
Name
Club
Joao Cancelo
Barcelona
Ruben Dias
Manchester City
Diogo Dalot
Manchester United
Goncalo Inacio
Sporting CP
Nuno Mendes
Paris Saint-Germain
Pepe
Porto
Nelson Semedo
Wolves
Antonio Silva
Benfica
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MIDFIELDERS
Bruno Fernandes was the only player who featured in each of Martinez's first 10 games in charge, but the other midfield positions are more open. Ruben Neves and Otavio moving to the Saudi Pro League has not affected their international prospects, while holding midfielders Danilo Pereira and Joao Palhinha will provide some much-needed steel.
Name
Club
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United
Joao Neves
Benfica
Ruben Neves
Al-Hilal
Otavio
Al-Nassr
Joao Palhinha
Fulham
Danilo Pereira
Paris Saint-Germain
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain
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FORWARDS
When Martinez took over, the question he had to ask straight away was whether he would continue relying on Ronaldo as his go-to striker. He opted to stick by the legendary forward and Ronaldo thanked him for his faith by scoring 10 goals in his first nine games.
Bernardo Silva has been another mainstay of Martinez's attack, with Joao Felix and Rafael Leao also featuring regularly. Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos, meanwhile, provide vital depth.