Ronaldo's farewell night ends in misery for Portugal with worst home defeat vs Denmark
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal farewell was meant to be a night of celebration, but the occasion quickly turned into one the hosts would rather forget. In their first match since the 41-year-old announced his international retirement, Portugal were thrashed 4-1 by Denmark in the UEFA Nations League at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Saturday.
The result was particularly damaging for Jorge Jesus, whose side had won their first four matches in the competition. Denmark handed Portugal their heaviest-ever defeat in a competitive match on home soil, leaving the home crowd with little to celebrate despite the pre-match tribute to their former captain. Portugal had not conceded four goals at home in a match since their 4-4 draw against Cyprus in September 2010.
The night had begun with a fitting acknowledgement of Ronaldo’s extraordinary contribution to Portuguese football. Players walked out wearing shirts bearing his name and iconic No. 7, while supporters displayed a banner reading ‘Obrigado, capi7o’ (Thank you, captain). Portugal had also unveiled a redesigned No. 7, with a permanent mark to ensure the number remains associated with Ronaldo.
But Denmark had little interest in playing a supporting role in the farewell. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted a penalty in the 43rd minute before Rasmus Hojlund struck twice in the space of seven minutes after the break. Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute, with Bernardo Silva scoring a late consolation in stoppage time.
Portugal remain top of Nations League Group A4 with 12 points and have already secured a place in the quarter-finals. Denmark moved to nine points, keeping the battle for top spot alive ahead of the final round. Yet the result was not the only talking point, with Jesus’ post-match response about Ronaldo bringing their recent fallout back into focus.
HOW PORTUGAL PAID TRIBUTE TO RONALDO
Ronaldo’s international career ended after 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer. He captained the country to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and also helped them win the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
The tribute in Braga was designed to recognise that legacy. Beyond the shirts and the supporters’ banner, Portugal also changed the design of the No. 7 to preserve Ronaldo’s version of the number. The gesture carried added significance because the forward had announced his retirement on November 5, bringing an end to a 23-year international career.
His departure followed a public disagreement with Jesus over his role in the team. Ronaldo was left on the bench against Norway and subsequently left the national team camp after the coach indicated he would not start against Denmark. He later announced his retirement, despite Jesus saying he had wanted the forward to continue.
JORGE JESUS AND RONALDO: STILL BAD BLOOD?
The Portugal manager did little to put an end to speculation about their relationship after the defeat. Asked whether his team had missed Ronaldo, Jesus responded sharply.
“Missing what? He’s no longer on the national team, so what’s missing? The only thing missing is his presence here to keep me company,” he said.
The remark came days after Jesus had insisted he had not expected Ronaldo to retire and had wanted him to stay. The coach had also said he intended to call up the forward again, adding that the decision to walk away had to be respected.
Ronaldo’s final chapter with Portugal may have ended, but the tension surrounding his departure has not quite disappeared. And on a night meant to celebrate everything he gave his country, the scoreline ensured that the farewell was overshadowed by a defeat for the history books.
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