Portugal suffered a 4–1 defeat against Denmark in Braga on Saturday night, November 14, 2026, marking their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football.
The lopsided loss in the UEFA Nations League leaves Group 4 delicately balanced, with Portugal already qualified before kickoff under coach Jorge Jesus.
Before kickoff, the stadium honored the departing captain with emotional scenes. Teammates took to the pitch wearing Ronaldo’s iconic number seven shirt, while supporters unfurled a massive banner reading «Obrigado, Capi7ao».
At the seventh minute of the match, the crowd rose for a prolonged ovation. The Portuguese federation announced a symbolic change to the team’s kit design, modifying the specific number seven worn by Ronaldo during his 23-year, 146-goal international career, Corriere della Sera reported.
“Da oggi avremo un numero 7 diverso sulla maglia, ma con la stessa essenza e lo stesso orgoglio. Quello precedente sarà conservato per rendere eterna una storia che non verrà mai dimenticata,” said the Portuguese federation.
The federation also said that the number was associated with stories, memories, achievements, and emotions that will remain forever, following a career in which Ronaldo wore that shirt.
Denmark capitalized on the emotional atmosphere to dismantle the hosts after a competitive opening spell. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute after Rúben Dias handled the ball following a header by Rasmus Højlund, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
Højlund took control after halftime. The Napoli striker scored with a left-footed volley in the 50th minute before doubling his tally seven minutes later with a curling right-footed effort that beat defender Renato Veiga.
Joachim Andersen added a fourth goal with a header in the 75th minute. Bernardo Silva scored a consolation goal for Portugal in stoppage time.
The heavy defeat means Portugal must secure at least one point in their final group fixture to retain first place in Group 4 of League A, while Gonçalo Ramos struggled significantly during the match as one of the worst on the pitch.
Earlier coverage: Portugal Lose 1-4 to Denmark in First Match After Cristiano Ronaldo
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