Portugal and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has stepped into the ongoing debate around Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team, firmly refusing the idea that the side functions better deprived of its all-time great. With debates resurfacing ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Manchester United captain has offered a measured defence of Ronaldo’s value, insisting that the forward continues to bring qualities few others in the squad can replicate.
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The conversation gained traction after Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 in their final World Cup qualifier while Ronaldo was deferred, a result that followed a poor loss to the Republic of Ireland. Speaking to Canal 11, Fernandes clarified that judging Portugal’s effectiveness purely on whether Ronaldo is present oversimplifies a far more complex tactical picture, underlining that different players bring different strengths to the team.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Bruno Fernandes Defends Ronaldo ‘Cristiano Still Gives Us Things’
Cristiano inside the box remains a very high-level player…I know what people think, that it’s clear we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid, Fernandes said. I think that, if that happens, it’s partly our fault. We can’t worry if Cristiano is on the pitch, because Cristiano can give us things, Bruno said.
Ronaldo, now 40, remains the leading goalscorer in men’s international football, with 143 goals in 226 appearances since his debut in 2003. His international coming briefly appeared uncertain during the 2022 World Cup, when he was benched by then-coach Fernando Santos. However, strong scoring form at Al Nassr paved the way for his return under Roberto Martínez.
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Bruno Fernandes Adapting to Each Other Is the Key to Portugal’s Success
When I’m not playing, and Bernardo Silva is playing as a number 10, Bernardo gives you more possession, and I make more of a final pass. It’s all like that. All players add things and take away others. Cristiano is the same as us. We have to know how to adapt and enhance each other’s qualities so that the national team benefits, Bruno added.
Portugal has since enjoyed a successful period, including winning the UEFA Nations League title by beating Euro 2024 champions Spain. They qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing top of their group with four wins and one defeat, scoring 20 goals and conceding seven. Ronaldo finished the campaign as Portugal’s top scorer with five goals.
FIFA 2026 Tickets: Fernandes Calls for Adaptation, Not Replacement, in Ronaldo Debate
While Armenia won, which featured hat-tricks from Fernandes and Joao Neves, reignited claims of a more fluid Portugal without Ronaldo, Fernandes remains clear-eyed. For him, the issue is not about replacing Ronaldo, but about adapting. Portugal’s strength, he argues, lies in understanding how to maximise each player’s qualities, including those of their most iconic figure.
Bruno Fernandes has strongly backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued importance to the Portugal national team as discussions resurface ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Manchester United captain dismissed claims that Portugal performs better without their all-time top scorer, emphasizing that Ronaldo still brings unique qualities that few players in the squad can replicate, particularly in high-pressure situations. Click to read more about TeamPortugal vs Uzbekistan Tickets.
Colombia Vs Portugal Tickets: After Armenia Rout, Fernandes Rejects Claims Portugal Are Better Without Ronaldo
The debate intensified after Portugal’s 91 victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier played during Ronaldo’s suspension. However, Fernandes argued that judging the team’s effectiveness based on Ronaldo’s absence oversimplifies the tactical reality. He stressed that each player contributes differently, noting that Portugal must adapt its approach to maximize Ronaldo’s strengths rather than worrying about his presence on the pitch.
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Despite turning 40, Ronaldo remains a decisive figure, finishing Portugal’s qualifying campaign as top scorer and continuing to lead men’s international football in goals. Fernandes believes Portugal’s recent success lies in balance and adaptability, highlighting that the team’s strength comes from enhancing every player’s qualities, including those of its most iconic star, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
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