Silva Says Portugal Can Handle Post-Ronaldo Spotlight as Braga Prepares Tribute

Bernardo Silva has addressed one of the central questions facing Portugal now that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer with the national team. Speaking at a press conference before Saturday’s Nations League match against Denmark, the midfielder was asked how the squad’s leaders would handle the pressure of a new era.

The question focused on whether Silva and other senior players such as Bruno Fernandes would feel greater responsibility now that the attention no longer centers on Ronaldo. Silva acknowledged that the spotlight will shift.

“In terms of the spotlight, perhaps yes, because everyone knows the influence Cristiano has whenever he steps onto the pitch,” he said. “Most of the people who went to the stadium went there to watch Cristiano, and many attended specifically because of him. That will probably no longer be the case.”

At the same time, Silva made clear that the squad is prepared for that change, since most of its members already deal with high expectations at their clubs. “Our players are used to being in the spotlight at their clubs. They are accustomed to pressure and responsibility, and to being held accountable when things don’t go well,” he explained.

That experience is why Silva does not view the situation as a concern. “So, I don’t think it’s a major issue,” he concluded. His comments came on the eve of Portugal’s first match since Ronaldo’s retirement on Nov. 5, when the team will begin to learn what life looks like without him in Braga.

Portugal Prepares Special Tribute for Ronaldo

Saturday’s match in Braga will also serve as a farewell to the forward, with the Portuguese federation organizing a tribute in his honor. The details were settled Thursday at a meeting that brought together president Pedro Proenca, coach Jorge Jesus, and captains Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes.

The squad will step onto the pitch with the No. 7 on their backs, a nod to the shirt Ronaldo wore during his 23 years with the national team. Once the match begins, play is expected to pause in the seventh minute so the crowd can give him a standing ovation.

After the ceremony, attention will return to the pitch, where Portugal will begin building for its future. For Ronaldo, who leaves with 234 appearances and 146 goals—both world records—the night in Braga will be a reminder of what he gave to the national team, whether or not he is there to see it.

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