#9 Portugal
Portugal have come out of the shadows of the European giants and created a place of their own in world football. Portugal emerged as a major force after the 2004 European Championships where they finished runners-up behind Greece.
In the 90s, Portugal's footballing renaissance was spearheaded by Luis Figo, who was an inspirational character. An attacking midfielder, Figo spearheaded a strong Portuguese team that had some world class strikers like Nuno Gomes, Heider Postiga, Simao and Pauleta. Towards the turn of the millennium, Cristiano Ronaldo established himself as Portugal's greatest player. Ronaldo has replicated his stellar club form and been a prolific goal scorer for his national team. ‘CR7’ has smashed all records to become Portugal's leading goal scorer.
Ronaldo led Portugal to their maiden European title in 2016 and helped them qualify for the 2018 World Cup at Russia. In his glittering career, Ronaldo has found good support from fellow attackers Nani and Ricardo Quaresma.
Portugal's first global star Eusebio was hailed as the best striker of his generation. Eusebio showed his class in the 1966 World Cup where he helped his nation reach the semi-finals.
Leading Goal Scorers for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo - 85
Pauleta - 47
Eusébio - 41
Luís Figo - 32
Nuno Gomes - 29
Hélder Postiga - 27
Rui Costa - 26
Nani - 24
João Pinto - 23
Nené - 22
Simão - 22
