On November 14, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the national team, ending a 23-year career spanning 146 goals and 234 appearances, Corriere della Sera reported.
That retirement night transformed into a nightmare in Braga as Denmark overwhelmed Portugal 4–1.
Rasmus Højlund drove the Danish attack with a second-half double. The result left the hosts stunned in Group 4.
“From today we will have a different number 7 on the shirt, but with the same essence and the same pride,” the Portuguese federation said, announcing that the iconic number 7 shirt worn by Ronaldo will feature a modified design with a horizontal mark across the middle to preserve his legacy.
Braga night turns into nightmare
The fixture at Braga opened with emotional tributes to the departing captain. Teammates wore the number 7 shirt onto the pitch, while supporters displayed a banner reading “Thank you, Captain” and joined in a sustained ovation at the seventh minute, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg opened the scoring from a 43rd-minute penalty awarded after a handball by Rúben Dias.
Højlund extended the lead shortly after halftime. He scored with a left-footed volley before beating defender Renato Veiga to net his second inside ten minutes.
Defensive collapses seal defeat
Joachim Andersen added a fourth goal with a header fifteen minutes from time. Bernardo Silva scored a late consolation goal for Portugal in stoppage time.
The heavy defeat prompted frustrated home supporters to abandon the stadium in mass numbers with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from the Portuguese national team?
Ronaldo announced his retirement on November 14, 2026, concluding an international career that began 23 years prior.
What changes is the Portuguese federation making to the number 7 shirt?
The federation modified the jersey design by adding a horizontal line across the middle so that no future player wears the exact number previously associated with Ronaldo.
Who scored the goals in Portugal’s match against Denmark?
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rasmus Højlund scored for Denmark alongside a header from Joachim Andersen, while Bernardo Silva scored for Portugal.
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