Portugal’s Ronaldo era questioned after 4-1 Nations League defeat by Denmark

Portugal supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo have criticised the national team after Denmark inflicted a heavy 4-1 defeat in Braga on Saturday in the Nations League.

The match was Portugal’s first since the Al Nassr captain announced his international retirement, and some of Ronaldo’s fans even praised Denmark forward Rasmus Højlund after he scored twice against Jorge Jesus’ side.

Denmark took the lead in the 43rd minute when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty awarded for a handball by Ruben Dias.

Højlund then struck twice in the opening stages of the second half, scoring in the 50th and 57th minutes as Denmark capitalised on their dominance after the interval.

Joachim Andersen completed the visitors’ victory with a 75th-minute header. Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s only goal in the third minute of added time, but the result left Denmark with a convincing win in the first match of Portugal’s post-Ronaldo era.

The defeat prompted anger among Ronaldo supporters, who linked the result directly to the absence of the former captain and argued that the outcome might have been different had he remained in the squad.

One fan wrote on X: “Never underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Another posted: “Now Portuguese football is over, and this is all your fault!!!”

A third added: “No Ronaldo, no party.”

Other Ronaldo supporters turned their attention to Højlund, who scored his two goals within a short period. His performance led to a series of sarcastic messages suggesting he had given them something to celebrate, with references to Ronaldo’s familiar goal celebration.

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

Another said: “Højlund, you should have given Ronaldo fans at least one celebration tonight.”

“Højlund has no idea what he has done for Ronaldo’s fans,” said a third, while another posted: “Rasmus Højlund, thank you for the good work. All Ronaldo fans appreciate you.”

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on 5 November, ending a Portugal career lasting more than 23 years. He made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, leaving him as the record holder for both caps and goals in men’s international football.

His decision followed a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission against Norway, despite taking part in the warm-up, after which Ronaldo left the squad’s training camp.

The Portugal forward later accused Jesus of going back on promises about his role in the team and how the dispute would be explained to the media.

Ronaldo subsequently officially handed the number seven shirt to the next generation after wearing it for 23 years. Portugal celebrated their former captain’s legacy before facing Denmark, but the ceremony ended with a heavy defeat that renewed the debate over his absence and the team’s future.