Portugal are preparing for their first international break since Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement, with Jorge Jesus naming his squad for the Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. The announcement settled one of the biggest questions facing the team after the departure of their all-time top scorer: who would wear the captain’s armband?
Ronaldo ended his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, having captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and to two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
The armband passes to Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva, who is Portugal’s most-capped active player with 115 appearances. Jesus confirmed that the national team would continue to choose its captain based on the number of international caps.
Bernardo leads the pecking order ahead of Bruno Fernandes (97 caps), Rúben Dias (84), João Cancelo (77) and Rúben Neves (73). Jesus named all five when outlining the squad’s captaincy hierarchy.
The 32-year-old joined Real Madrid last summer after nine seasons with Manchester City, and Jesus praised both his experience and the level of his performances since moving to Spain.
Bernardo is expected to lead Portugal out against Denmark in Braga on 14 November, before the team travel to Cardiff to face Wales on 17 November in their final group match.
Portugal have already secured a quarter-final place and lead the group with 12 points, six clear of Denmark, while Wales and Norway have three points each.
