Portugal suffers heavy defeat in first match after Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement

The Portuguese national football team marked the beginning of the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era on November 14, 2026, with a disappointing 4-1 home defeat against Denmark at the Municipal Stadium of Braga during the 5th round of the Nations League. The 41-year-old forward announced his retirement on November 5, 2026, concluding an illustrious 23-year international career featuring 234 caps, 146 goals, and three major titles.

Before the match, the team held a tribute for their former captain, with all players wearing jerseys marked with the number 7, and fans performing a standing ovation in the 7th minute. The Portuguese Football Federation also announced a new graphic design for the number 7 on future kits to preserve the legacy of the original jersey associated with Ronaldo. Despite the emotional atmosphere, Portugal struggled on the pitch, conceding goals to Hojbjerg, Hojlund, and Andersen, with Bernardo Silva scoring a late consolation goal.

Following the match, national team manager Jorge Jesus dismissed concerns regarding the absence of the icon, stating that while the team was unprepared for the heavy loss, the chapter of Ronaldo's international career is definitively closed. Despite the defeat, Portugal remains at the top of its Nations League group.