Portugal suffer heavy Denmark defeat as Ronaldo supporters question life without captain

Portugal’s first match since Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement ended in a 4-1 home defeat by Denmark in Braga, prompting angry reactions from supporters of the former captain.

The Nations League match was the first appearance of Roberto Martinez’s side since the Al Nassr forward announced he would no longer play for his country. Some Ronaldo fans blamed his absence for the result, while others found an unlikely reason to celebrate in Denmark striker Rasmus Højlund’s two goals.

Denmark took the lead in the 43rd minute after a handball was awarded against Ruben Dias. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted the resulting penalty to put the visitors ahead at half-time.

Højlund then struck twice early in the second half, scoring in the 50th and 57th minutes as Denmark took control of the contest. Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute with a header.

Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s only goal in the third minute of added time, but the late effort could not prevent a damaging defeat in the team’s first game since the departure of its long-serving leader.

The result led to a series of comments from Ronaldo supporters on X, with some suggesting Portugal would have performed differently had the 40-year-old remained involved.

“Never underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo,” wrote one fan.

Another posted: “Portuguese football is over now, and this is all your fault!!!” A third added: “No Ronaldo, no party.”

Other supporters directed their attention towards Højlund, who is described as a Napoli striker in the source article. His two goals in a short period prompted a series of tongue-in-cheek messages referring to Ronaldo’s well-known celebration.

“Thank you, Højlund. We Ronaldo fans are grateful for your contribution,” one supporter wrote.

Another said: “Højlund, you should at least have given Ronaldo’s fans one celebration tonight,” while a third posted: “Højlund has no idea what he has done for Ronaldo’s fans.”

“Rasmus Højlund, thank you for the good work. All Ronaldo fans appreciate you,” read another message.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on 5 November, ending a Portugal career that lasted more than 23 years. He made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, records for both appearances and goals in men’s international football.

His decision followed a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission against Norway despite taking part in the warm-up. Ronaldo subsequently left the Portugal camp.

The forward later accused Jorge Jesus of going back on promises about his role with the national team and how the disagreement would be explained to the media.

Ronaldo then formally handed the number seven shirt to the next generation after wearing it for 23 years. Portugal celebrated his legacy before facing Denmark, but the evening ended with a heavy defeat that has renewed debate over the team’s future without its historic captain.