Portugal are preparing to enter a new chapter in their international football journey following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international duty. However, captain Bernardo Silva believes the national team has enough quality, experience and mentality to remain competitive without their legendary forward.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, November 15, 2026, at Braga. The match will mark their first appearance without Ronaldo following his decision to bring his international career to an end.
The occasion will also provide an opportunity for Portugal to honour one of the greatest players in the country’s football history.
Silva, who has inherited the captain’s armband from Ronaldo, recognises the enormous influence the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star had on the national team.
Nevertheless, the Manchester City midfielder insists that Portugal must now focus on the future rather than becoming overly dependent on the absence of their former captain.
Bernardo Silva Confident Portugal Can Move Forward Without Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of Portugal’s defining figures for more than two decades.
His presence has attracted worldwide attention, with supporters regularly filling stadiums to watch him represent his country.
Silva openly acknowledged that Ronaldo’s influence extended beyond his performances on the pitch.
Speaking to reporters, the new Portugal captain admitted that many supporters had specifically attended matches to see the legendary number seven.
“Everyone knows how influential Cristiano is. Most people come to the stadium to watch Cristiano, and many even come specifically for him. Now that will no longer happen,” Silva explained.
Despite recognising the importance of Ronaldo’s departure, Silva does not believe it will create an insurmountable problem for the national team.
He believes Portugal’s players have enough experience to handle the expectations that come with representing their country.
“National team players are used to the spotlight, pressure and responsibility. We are also used to being criticised when things do not go well. So, that is not a problem,” he added.
His comments reflect the confidence within the Portugal squad as they prepare to move forward without their most recognisable player.
Portugal Prepare Special Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
Although Ronaldo will no longer be part of the playing squad, Portugal are determined to recognise his extraordinary contribution to the national team.
A special tribute is reportedly being prepared before the UEFA Nations League encounter against Denmark.
According to local media reports, Portugal’s players are expected to walk onto the pitch wearing shirts featuring the number seven.
The number has become closely associated with Ronaldo throughout his international career and represents one of the most recognisable symbols in Portuguese football.
The tribute is intended to recognise the extraordinary impact he has made over more than two decades.
However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo will attend the ceremony in person.
There has also been speculation surrounding his relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus following reports of a disagreement between the two in September.
Despite that uncertainty, Portugal’s intention to honour Ronaldo demonstrates the importance of his legacy to the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Portugal With Extraordinary International Records
Ronaldo’s retirement brings an end to one of the most remarkable international careers in modern football.
Since making his Portugal debut in 2003, he has become the country’s most influential player and established records that will be difficult for future generations to match.
His international statistics include:
- 234 appearances: The most appearances by a player for Portugal.
- 146 goals: Portugal’s all-time leading international goalscorer.
- International debut: Made his first appearance for the senior national team in 2003.
- 23 years of service: Represented Portugal across more than two decades of international football.
These achievements highlight the scale of Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
Beyond individual statistics, his presence helped establish Portugal as a major force in international competitions.
His leadership, experience and ability to deliver in important moments made him a central figure for successive generations of Portuguese players.
For Silva and the current squad, replacing that influence will not be straightforward.
However, the next generation now has an opportunity to establish its own identity and create a new chapter in the country’s football history.
Jorge Jesus Praises Ronaldo’s Legacy
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has also expressed his support for the planned tribute.
The manager believes recognising Ronaldo’s achievements is an important way to celebrate everything the forward has contributed to the national team.
Jesus highlighted the significance of Ronaldo’s 23-year international journey and described the planned ceremony as an excellent idea.
“Nobody can forget Cristiano’s 23 years with the national team and everything he has done. In my opinion, giving him this kind of tribute is a brilliant idea to ensure that people continue to remember he is a legend of Portuguese football,” Jesus said.
The tribute will provide an opportunity for players and supporters to reflect on Ronaldo’s achievements.
It will also mark an emotional transition for Portugal as they prepare to compete without a player who has been central to their identity for so long.
Bernardo Silva Inherits Portugal’s Captaincy
With Ronaldo’s international career now over, Bernardo Silva has taken on the responsibility of leading Portugal as captain.
The Manchester City midfielder brings considerable international and club experience to the role.
His appointment represents an important moment for the national team, particularly as Portugal begin adapting to a different leadership structure.
Silva will be expected to help maintain the standards established during Ronaldo’s era while allowing younger players to develop into important figures.
His comments suggest that he understands the responsibility involved.
Rather than viewing Ronaldo’s departure as a reason to lower expectations, Silva wants his teammates to embrace the pressure and continue competing at the highest level.
Portugal still have a talented group of players, and the transition could provide opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
Portugal Look to Maintain Their UEFA Nations League Momentum
Despite entering a new era without Ronaldo, Portugal have already secured qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
The national team achieved that objective after winning all four of their matches in Group A4.
Their upcoming encounter against Denmark will therefore provide an important test of their ability to maintain that momentum without their former captain.
The match is about more than just securing another positive result. It represents the beginning of a new chapter for Portuguese international football.
Ronaldo’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, both on the pitch and among supporters.
However, Bernardo Silva has made his position clear: Portugal have the experience, confidence and responsibility required to continue competing.
The challenge now is to turn those words into performances and demonstrate that the national team can remain successful even without its greatest international goalscorer.
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