Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes declared that Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of the national team, the country’s football, and the nation, after the 41‑year‑old left the squad this week following a decision by coach Jorge Jesus not to start him against Denmark in the Nations League.
Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal – both record figures – helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. He left the squad after Jesus announced he would not start the 4‑2 win over Denmark, a match Portugal won without him.
Speaking at a Portugal news conference on Saturday, Fernandes said, “Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. What I told him, and what I repeat here, is that regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world.” He added that Ronaldo has a reserved place among the best of all time and in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and that the country must not divide itself over the controversy.
Portugal won the Nations League in 2019 and are current holders after beating Spain in the 2025 final on penalties. They reached the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup before losing 1‑0 to eventual champions Spain, a loss that sparked criticism of then‑manager Roberto Martinez for rarely substituting Ronaldo. Jesus, who had managed Ronaldo at Saudi club Al‑Nassr, replaced Martinez for the Nations League campaign.
Portugal opened the campaign with a 1‑0 home win over Wales, with Ronaldo playing the opening 67 minutes. He was an unused substitute in the 2‑1 away victory over Norway and then left the squad before the Denmark game. After three matches, Portugal are top of Group A4 with nine points from nine and will play Norway at home on Sunday. The group phase ends next month, with a home match against Denmark on 14 November followed by a game in Wales on 17 November. A top‑two finish would see them qualify for the quarter‑finals in March, before the semi‑finals and final in June.
Jesus said he would focus on the team and the opponent, Norway, one of the five best teams in Europe, and that there would be time to speak about Ronaldo after Sunday’s game in Porto.
