Portugal and France are set to recreate the historic Euro 2016 final in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, with the spotlight on their two iconic stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals following a thrilling 3-0 penalty shootout victory over Slovenia. As anticipation builds, football fans eagerly await this high-stakes clash, reminiscent of their memorable encounters in past tournaments.
France has historically held the upper hand in their semi-final meetings, triumphing over Portugal in Euro 1984, Euro 2000, and the 2026 World Cup. However, Portugal’s notable 1-0 victory in the Euro 2016 final at Stade de France remains a highlight in their football history. This upcoming match not only rekindles this rivalry but also brings together two of the game’s greatest talents in an official match for the first time since their Euro group stage meeting three years ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe have faced each other twice before in all competitions, during the 2017-2018 Champions League round of 16, where Ronaldo’s Real Madrid overcame Mbappe’s PSG with a 5-2 aggregate score. Ronaldo, who scored three goals in those encounters, played a crucial role in Madrid’s victory. As they prepare to lead their national teams as captains, the anticipation surrounding their head-to-head battle is immense.
Adding to the excitement, Kylian Mbappe recently joined Real Madrid after a successful seven-season stint with PSG, while Ronaldo remains a Real Madrid legend, having scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 matches from 2009 to 2018. Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old striker is still a formidable presence on the pitch. This highly anticipated quarterfinal match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the legacies of both Ronaldo and Mbappe on the line.
