Bernardo Silva named Portugal captain as post-Ronaldo era begins

Portugal have turned a page following Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football, with 32-year-old midfielder Bernardo Silva appointed the national team’s new captain.

The decision was confirmed by head coach Jorge Jesus at a press conference in which he unveiled his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Jesus explained that Portugal’s long-standing tradition is to select the captain according to the number of senior international appearances, rather than by personal preference.

Silva leads the current group with 115 caps and 14 goals since his debut in 2015. He is followed in the leadership hierarchy by Bruno Fernandes (97 appearances), Rúben Dias (84), João Cancelo (77) and Rúben Neves (73). Jesus noted that all five players had previously worked under him at club level and that the existing criteria would be maintained.

The coach spoke positively about Silva’s credentials, highlighting both his experience and his current form. “Bernardo is a player with a lot of experience and a lot of quality. He is in a good spell at Real Madrid and is a regular starter for one of the best teams in the world,” Jesus said. He added that he had no doubts about the midfielder’s ability to contribute to the national side through his experience and technical qualities.

The appointment brings to an end Ronaldo’s long tenure as permanent captain, a role he held since 2008. The forward finished his Portugal career with 234 appearances and a record 146 goals, helping the country win the European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League in both 2019 and 2025.

Silva is expected to wear the armband for the first time in the post-Ronaldo era when Portugal host Denmark in the Nations League on 14 November, before travelling to face Wales three days later.