Renato Sanches has broken Cristiano Ronaldo’s 12-year record by becoming the youngest player to be called up by Portugal for a major tournament.
Sanches only made his first-team debut for Benfica in October but quickly cemented his place as a key figure at the heart of their midfield as the club won the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The 18-year-old’s performances attracted interest from a host of top European sides but Bayern Munich won the race for the midfielder, confirming a €35 million deal, plus add-ons, had been finalised earlier this month.
And at the age of 18 years and ten months, Sanches has surpassed Ronaldo’s record to become the youngest player to be part of Portugal’s squad for a senior international tournament.
Ronaldo set the record ahead of Euro 2004 when he was named in Portugal’s squad at the age of 19 years and four months.
