Bruno Fernandes: Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's 'greatest symbol'
October 3, 2026 21:20
WHAT HAPPENED
Portugal won the Denmark game 4-2 without Ronaldo, who is 41. The forward has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal and was part of the squads that won Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice, including the 2025 final victory over Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in which Ronaldo scored.
CONTEXT AND RECENT NATIONS LEAGUE EVENTS
Jorge Jesus — who succeeded Roberto Martinez as Portugal coach and had previously been Ronaldo's club manager at Al-Nassr — told reporters that Ronaldo is a "symbol of Portugal" and that there would be time to discuss the matter after Sunday’s game in Porto. Under Jesus, Portugal began the campaign with a 1-0 home win over Wales in which Ronaldo played 67 minutes, followed by a 2-1 away victory over Norway in which he was an unused substitute. He then left the squad before the Denmark match.
Fernandes, who plays his club football for Manchester United, said he had spoken with Ronaldo and appealed for national unity: "There are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside."
STANDINGS AND UPCOMING FIXTURES
After three matches Portugal sit top of Group A4 with nine points from nine. They host Norway on Sunday, and finish the group phase with home fixtures against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November. If Portugal finish in the top two of the section they would qualify for the quarter-finals in March, with semi-finals and a final scheduled for June.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
Portugal reached the last 16 of this summer's World Cup before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain; then-manager Roberto Martinez was criticised for rarely substituting Ronaldo during the tournament.