Joao Victor questions Portugal’s treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo after Denmark defeat

Brazilian defender Joao Victor has suggested Portugal’s heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark was linked to the way Cristiano Ronaldo has been treated by the national team.

The former Benfica player, now with Russian club CSKA Moscow, posted a message on Instagram after Portugal’s first match of the post-Ronaldo era ended in a damaging loss in Braga.

Ronaldo was absent as Denmark secured a convincing victory, which also brought Jorge Jesus’ first defeat since he became Portugal manager. Joao Victor’s reaction focused not only on the scoreline but also on the status given to Ronaldo following the end of his international career.

The defender shared an image of the match score on Instagram showing Denmark leading 4-0 in the 75th minute. Alongside it, he wrote: “This is what happens when you don’t respect your role model.”

Although Joao Victor did not name anyone directly, the wording clearly connected Portugal’s performance with the way the team had dealt with its former captain. The timing of the post, with Denmark’s advantage having reached four goals, gave the message a direct link to events on the pitch.

The defeat was particularly painful for Portugal because it came in Braga in front of their home supporters. It was also the first setback suffered by Jorge Jesus since taking charge of the national team.

Portugal’s position in the competition has not been put at risk, however. The team had already secured qualification for the knockout stage of the Nations League, meaning the loss did not end its progress in the tournament.

Portugal now need only one point from their next match against Wales to finish top of their group and complete the stage in first place. That fixture is scheduled for 17 November 2026.

Joao Victor’s comments have nevertheless reopened discussion about Ronaldo’s continuing significance to Portuguese football. His message went beyond criticism of a single result and reflected the debate over how the country should recognise a player who has played a defining role in its football history.

The defeat also marked Portugal’s first match since Ronaldo’s departure from the team, adding further weight to comparisons between the side’s current situation and the period in which he was its leading figure.