Bernardo Silva named new captain of the Portuguese national team

On Friday, November 6, 2026, Portuguese national team head coach Jorge Jesus announced that 32-year-old midfielder Bernardo Silva has been appointed as the new captain of the squad. This decision follows the official retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo from international football, marking a significant transition period for the Portuguese national team.

Bernardo Silva, a veteran player for Real Madrid with 115 international caps, was selected for the role primarily due to his seniority and record of appearances among current squad members. The coach emphasized that Silva’s extensive experience, which includes contributing to the team's successes in the 2019 and 2025 Nations League tournaments, makes him the ideal leader to guide the team following Ronaldo’s departure. The appointment formalizes Silva's increased responsibility both on and off the pitch as he takes on the role of primary representative for his teammates.

This shift in leadership signifies a new era for Portugal, as the team looks to move past the Cristiano Ronaldo era and maintain its competitiveness on the international stage under the guidance of Jorge Jesus. Silva is now expected to act as the key reference point for his peers as they prepare for future qualifying matches and international competitions.