Bruno Fernandes
December 2025

Fernandes addressed claims Portugal play better without Ronaldo, accepting the team can look freer at times but insisting that responsibility lies with the squad, not just their captain. He stressed Ronaldo remains elite in the box, drawing defenders and creating space that others must exploit intelligently. Using comparisons to Gonçalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva, Fernandes argued every attacker adds some qualities and removes others, including himself. He said Portugal must adapt to enhance each player’s strengths, including Ronaldo’s penalty-box threat and gravity, rather than blaming one individual for tactical issues in a team packed with creative options.