What Does the Future Hold for Portugal Without Cristiano Ronaldo?

On 5 November, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football. Over 23 years, the forward made 234 appearances, scored 146 goals and helped Portugal win the European Championship and two editions of the Nations League. The national team must now adjust to life without its all-time leading scorer and long-serving captain. We examine who could replace Ronaldo, how Portugal's style might change and whether the team can still compete for major trophies.

Portugal After Cristiano Ronaldo: What Will Change?

Ronaldo's departure means more than losing the national team's record goalscorer. For two decades, Cristiano was the focal point of Portugal's attack. His team-mates regularly looked to find him with passes, while opponents had to pay special attention to his movement inside the penalty area.

Head coach Jorge Jesus will now have more scope to vary Portugal's attacking structure. The team can make greater use of forwards interchanging positions, bring midfielders into the final stages of attacks more frequently and spread goalscoring opportunities across several players.

However, Ronaldo's absence does not guarantee an immediate improvement. Portugal have lost a player capable of deciding matches through individual moments of brilliance and maintaining his confidence in the most high-pressure situations. Replacing his goalscoring output will not be easy.

Who Will Replace Ronaldo in Portugal's Attack?

Gonçalo Ramos looks the leading candidate to become Portugal's first-choice centre-forward. He already has experience at major international tournaments and can offer the side a different style of play.

Unlike Ronaldo in the latter stages of his career, Ramos contributes more actively to the press, makes more runs behind defenders and helps create space for his team-mates. Starting him would allow Portugal to play with greater intensity out of possession.

Another option is Fábio Silva. The striker can contribute to combination play, drop deeper and link up with attacking midfielders. Jesus could also use João Félix as a false nine if he wants to prioritise possession.

Who Will Become Portugal's New Leader?

Experienced players will become particularly important following Cristiano's retirement. Jorge Jesus has already identified a group of captains comprising Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves and Bruno Fernandes.

Bernardo Silva could become one of Portugal's main attacking orchestrators. His ability to retain possession under pressure, find pockets of space and control the tempo is especially valuable against strong opponents.

Bruno Fernandes remains a key source of incisive passes and shots from midfield. He may take on greater responsibility in the final third, while Rúben Dias will oversee the organisation of the defence.

Vitinha also deserves particular attention. The midfielder can dictate the rhythm of matches and move the ball forward from deep. Alongside João Neves, he could form the foundation of Portugal's midfield for years to come.

How Will Portugal Play Without Ronaldo?

One of the most logical options is a 4-3-3 formation, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the line, Rafael Leão on the left and Pedro Neto on the right. Vitinha, Neves and Bruno Fernandes could operate in midfield.

That combination would allow Portugal to exploit the pace of their wide forwards and press opponents more aggressively. Ramos could open up space for midfield runners, while Leão and Neto could create chances through individual skill.

Against teams that defend in a low block, Jesus could adjust the attacking structure. For example, he might deploy Félix between the lines or add another attacking midfielder.

The biggest question is finishing. Portugal have players capable of creating goalscoring chances, but it remains unclear who can consistently convert them as efficiently as Ronaldo did.

Can Portugal Win Euro 2028?

Portugal's next major target will be Euro 2028. Despite Cristiano's departure, the team retains a squad capable of competing with the continent's strongest sides. The coaching staff have high-quality options in virtually every position.

Tactical flexibility could be an advantage for the revamped national team. Without the need to build their attack around one player, the coach will have more freedom in team selection and can adapt his approach to individual opponents.

However, having a talented squad alone is not enough to win the Euros. Portugal must develop their attacking understanding, establish a first-choice striker and learn to perform consistently in decisive matches.

Portugal's First Tests in the Post-Ronaldo Era

Portugal's first immediate test will come in the UEFA Nations League. In November, they face Denmark and Wales, while in spring 2027 they will continue their campaign in the competition's quarter-finals.

These matches will give Jorge Jesus a chance to assess new combinations and gauge how ready Portugal are to play without Ronaldo. The November squad includes several young players, among them Geovany Quenda and Rodrigo Mora.

Portugal have enough resources to remain competitive after the departure of their most famous player. But the success of the next generation will depend not on finding another Cristiano Ronaldo, but on building a team in which every player understands their role. Sadly, the Ronaldo era is over. Portugal must now prove that their greatest victories do not necessarily belong to the past.

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