Bruno Fernandes responds to claims Portugal play better without Cristiano Ronaldo

December 18, 2025 Oliver Obel

Portugal’s road to the 2026 World Cup is forcing uncomfortable questions to the surface. Results remain strong, but the discussion has shifted from qualification to identity specifically, how a team in transition balances its past with what comes next.

At the center of that conversation is Cristiano Ronaldo, and increasingly, the players being asked to lead alongside him.

A debate that won’t go away

Ronaldo turned 40 in February and has made it clear he wants to appear at one final World Cup. On paper, little has changed: he scored five goals in five qualifying matches and remains Portugal’s most recognisable figure.

Yet doubts about how the team functions with him have lingered since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Portugal often looked more rigid in attack and Ronaldo found the net only once in five games.

Those questions resurfaced during qualification when Ronaldo was sent off against the Republic of Ireland. Portugal’s response a 9–1 win over Armenia in the following match reignited debate about tempo, pressing intensity and movement in the final third.

Fernandes answers as captain

Rather than sidestepping the issue, Bruno Fernandes addressed it directly. Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, the Manchester United captain accepted that perceptions exist, but rejected the idea that responsibility lies with one player.

“I have no problem talking about it. I know what people think, that it's clear we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid. If that happens, it's partly our fault,” Fernandes said.

For Fernandes, the challenge is tactical and collective, not personal.

“We can't let Cristiano be the only one holding us back. He can give us things inside the box, he's a very high-level player, he draws defenders and creates space for other players.”

He added that every selection choice comes with trade-offs, regardless of the name on the team sheet.

“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.”

It was a measured response, reflecting Fernandes’ role as a bridge between Portugal’s established leaders and a squad still evolving.

Martinez keeps perspective

Head coach Roberto Martinez has consistently played down the idea that Portugal are stronger without their captain. After qualification was secured, he pushed back against the narrative entirely.

“We are better with Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto,” Martinez told reporters.

While acknowledging that teams must adapt when players are unavailable, Martinez stressed that depth should complement star quality, not replace it.

The final stretch

Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 tournament will be his last. Speaking to CNN, he said: “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old… let's enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

A three-match ban following his red card against Ireland initially cast doubt over his short-term availability, but two matches were suspended, leaving him eligible if selected.

Portugal will face Uzbekistan, Colombia and a play-off qualifier in the group stage. Whether Ronaldo starts every match or plays a more situational role, the coming months are likely to define not just his farewell but how Portugal choose to shape their future around it.

Sources: Canal 11, CNN