Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international duty has ushered in a challenging new era for Portugal, with manager Jorge Jesus confronting an early test as the national team seeks to continue without its long‑time captain. The defeat to Denmark reverberated far beyond the stadium, prompting fresh scrutiny of Portugal’s position among football’s elite.
Portugal endured a bleak evening on Saturday, suffering a 4‑1 home loss to Denmark at the Braga Municipal Stadium. The match was Portugal’s first fixture since Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5, marking the end of a distinguished 23‑year international career.
Denmark seized control just before halftime when Pierre‑Emile Hojbjerg converted a penalty in the 43rd minute. Rasmus Hojlund then netted twice early in the second half, finding the net in the 50th and 57th minutes, with Joachim Andersen completing the scoring in the 75th minute.
Bernardo Silva managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time, but the Selecao could not avert a heavy defeat on home soil. The result was especially disheartening for Jesus, whose debut as manager ended in one of Portugal’s most damaging recent setbacks.
Ronaldo’s departure marks beginning of new era
The loss arrived just days after Ronaldo officially brought his 23‑year international career to a close, having appeared 234 times for Portugal and scored a record 146 goals. The 41‑year‑old departs with an extraordinary legacy, having captained the national side to Euro 2016 triumph and subsequent UEFA Nations League success.
His departure also creates a notable leadership vacuum for Jesus, who must now craft a side capable of contending without the forward who defined Portugal’s attacking identity for over two decades. Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs wore a redesigned No. 7 shirt against Denmark, honouring the number Ronaldo made synonymous with Portugal’s international success.
The transition gains additional resonance as Ronaldo’s son begins to carve out his own path in Portugal’s youth setup. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. recently earned his debut for the Portugal under‑17 side, hinting at the emergence of the next generation as his father’s senior international career concludes.
Portugal falls in the provisional FIFA rankings
The defeat’s fallout was instantly visible in the provisional FIFA Men’s World Rankings, where Portugal slipped two spots from fifth to seventh. The team lost 10.09 ranking points, bringing its total to 1,797.60, while Brazil moved up to sixth place.
Portugal in new FIFA rankings
This shift also enabled Morocco to re‑enter the top five, ascending to fifth place with 1,805.34 points. The Atlas Lions had earlier capitalized on Brazil’s 3‑2 defeat to Japan, and Portugal’s subsequent loss to Denmark sealed their latest climb.
The provisional top seven now features Spain, Argentina, France, England, Morocco, Brazil and Portugal. Nevertheless, these rankings are subject to FIFA’s next official update, slated for November 18, 2026.
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