Portugal name Goncalo Ramos to replace Cristiano Ronaldo against Denmark

Portugal will face Denmark without Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in 23 years after naming Goncalo Ramos in attack for their Nations League fixture.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward starts in place of Ronaldo, who left the Portugal camp unexpectedly on the eve of the match. His departure brought an end to his 23-year association with the national team shirt and created an unprecedented crisis around the squad.

Ramos will be supported in attack by Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto, while Bruno Fernandes starts in midfield alongside Vitinha and Ruben Neves.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has also selected Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes in defence, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa expected to provide further experience as the team attempt to overcome the disruption surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and secure a positive result against a resilient Denmark side.

Portugal’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos

The Portugal national team’s official account posted the line-up on X with the message: “O XI INICIAL para o jogo contra a Dinamarca” “The starting XI for the game against Denmark” alongside the hashtags #NationsLeague and #DENPOR. The post was dated October 1, 2026.

Denmark starting XI

Denmark will begin with Mads Hermansen in goal and Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle and Rasmus Nissen Kristensen in defence.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Morten Hjulmand and Mikkel Damsgaard form the midfield, with Adam Daghim, Mohamed Daramy and Rasmus Højlund selected in attack.

Denmark’s team is:

Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen

Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle, Rasmus Nissen Kristensen

Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard

Forwards: Adam Daghim, Mohamed Daramy, Rasmus Højlund

The Danish national team’s official account announced its selection with the message “Herrelandsholdets startellever” “The men’s national team’s starting XI” accompanied by the hashtags #ForDanmark. That post was also dated October 1, 2026.