Portugal begin post-Ronaldo era with Goncalo Ramos starting against Denmark

Portugal will play their first match without Cristiano Ronaldo in 23 years after head coach Jorge Jesus named Goncalo Ramos in attack for the Nations League meeting with Denmark.

Ronaldo’s unexpected departure from the Portugal camp on the eve of the game brought an abrupt end to his 23-year association with the national team shirt and created an unprecedented crisis around the side.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ramos starts in place of the historic captain, with Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto selected alongside him in a fast-paced front three. Bruno Fernandes will operate in midfield with Vitinha and Ruben Neves.

Portugal’s defence includes Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa is also named in the starting XI as the team attempt to move beyond the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and secure a positive result against a strong Denmark side.

Portugal’s starting line-up 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 Portuguese Football Federation published the team on 1 October 2026, with the announcement describing it as the starting XI for the match against Denmark.

Denmark name Højlund in attack

Denmark have selected Mads Hermansen in goal, with Joachim Andersen, Oliver Provstgaard, Joakim Mæhle and Rasmus Kristensen forming the defence.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Morten Hjulmand and Mikkel Damsgaard make up the midfield, while Adam Daghim, Mohammed Daramy and Rasmus Højlund lead the Danish attack.

Denmark’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen

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

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

Forwards: Adam Daghim, Mohammed Daramy, Rasmus Højlund

The Danish Football Association also confirmed its starting XI on 1 October 2026.