José Sena Goulão / Lusa
Will Cristiano Ronaldo be an obstacle for Portugal? Without mincing words, Bruno Fernandes closes the matter with a firm response.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a recurring and uncomfortable question has returned to the center of the national debate: Ronaldo helps or hinders?
With the best football player of all time entering the final stretch of his international career and a new generation asserting itselfdoubts persist about the balance, rhythm and ability of the captain of the quinas team to evolve.
At the same time, Bruno Fernandes has consolidated itself as the most obvious leader within the four lines, assuming responsibility and expectations at a time when the country feels that the moment of its selection may finally be close.
Us rRecent results have only intensified the discussion. Portugal qualified convincingly, scored with ease and dominated opponents — even at stages when their most iconic figure was absentrekindling a discussion that refuses to disappear: does the national team play more fluidly, more dynamically, without its best scorer of all time?
In a recent interview with Canal 11, Bruno Fernandes answered the question directly, says . And, although the tone was serene, considered and anchored in a collective vision, there was a firmness that leaves little room for alternative readings.
A Seleção’s resounding 9-1 victory against Armeniawhich sealed qualification, was as spectacular as it was symbolic. Playing without Ronaldo, who was suspended, Portugal dismantled the opponent with ease. Bruno Fernandes, wearing the captain’s armband, scored a hat trick and made an assist, while the PSG midfielder João Neves also scored three goals.
The exhibition immediately reactivated the usual arguments. Without the star of Al-Nassr, the pressure felt more intensemore fluid movement and faster ball circulation. Critics highlighted the freedom of the attacking midfielders; supporters argued that the team, finally, seemed to play without additional weight.
Instead of skirting the issue, Bruno faced him head on . “I have no problem talking about it. I know what people think, that of course we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid,” he said. “If this happens, it is partly our fault”.
For the captain, the issue is not Ronaldo’s presencebut the way the rest of the team react to this presence. The temptation to force the game towards a legend, he admitted, can break natural patterns.
But responsibility, he stressed, is collectivethe. And it was here that Fernandes left his answer seven words which summarizes his position and repositions the entire debate: “He can give us things within the area.” Simple. And definitive.
At 40, Ronaldo is no longer the explosive extreme nor the tireless pressing of other times. Still, the Manchester United midfielder was clear: the value of the striker changed more than decreased. “He drags defenses and creates space for other players. He is a very high level player.”
In games where Portugal has difficulty dismantling low and compact blocks, this presence continues to be precious. Ronaldo’s gravity inside the box forces the opponent to adjust positionsopens corridors for midfielders to enter and gives rise to attacks from the flanks.
Bruno also stressed that All choices imply trade-offs: Gonçalo Ramos offers pressure and diagonal movements; Bernardo Silva gives control and ownership; Bruno himself adds verticality and the last pass. “All players add things and remove others. Cristiano is the same”, he concluded.
