# Ronaldo's Portugal Symbol Status

> Bruno Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal's greatest symbol despite absence.
- Title: Ronaldo's Portugal Symbol Status · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Bruno Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal's greatest symbol despite absence. Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest footballing…
- Keywords: cristiano ronaldo, bruno fernandes, portugal, nations league, euro 2016, manchester united, jorge jesus, al-nassr, denmark, wales, norway, portugal football team
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckq5nd1g14v4o
- Published: 2026-10-03T18:57:50.374+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cristiano ronaldo, bruno fernandes, portugal, nations league, euro 2016, manchester united, jorge jesus, al-nassr, denmark, wales, norway, portugal football team
## Bruno Fernandes statement
Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest footballing figure despite leaving the squad this week.
## Ronaldo's international record
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals from 234 matches with Portugal, both record figures, helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
## Fernandes' direct quote
Fernandes said: 'Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or less'.

> Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone's respect, regardless of who likes him more or less
## Portugal's Nations League win
Portugal won the Nations League in 2019 and are current holders after beating Spain in the 2025 final on penalties.
## Ronaldo's recent matches
Ronaldo played 67 minutes in Portugal's 1-0 home win over Wales but was unused substitute in 2-1 away victory over Norway.
## Next steps for Portugal
Portugal play Norway at home on Sunday, then Denmark on 14 November, aiming for quarter-finals in March.
## Key takeaway

Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest footballing symbol despite leaving the squad.