{
  "id": 11750897,
  "title": "Ronaldo still 'greatest symbol' of Portugal - Fernandes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/ronaldo-still-greatest-symbol-of-portugal-fernandes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T18:57:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckq5nd1g14v4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal's midfielder Bruno Fernandes has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country's greatest footballing figure despite the star player's recent departure from the squad. Ronaldo, 41, left the team after coach Jorge Jesus announced he would not start in a match against Denmark as part of the Nations League. Ronaldo, who scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal - both record figures - has helped the team win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. However, his international future now seems uncertain.\n\nFernandes, speaking at a Portugal news conference, emphasized that Ronaldo's legacy will always remain significant, regardless of the team's current circumstances. He said, \"Regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world.\" Fernandes stressed the importance of unity within the national team, stating, \"There are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside.\"\n\nPortugal won the Nations League in 2019 and currently holds the title after defeating Spain in the 2025 final on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in which Ronaldo netted a goal. The team reached the World Cup's last 16 last summer, losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain. However, manager Roberto Martinez faced criticism for sparingly substituting Ronaldo, even when he was not performing well. Jorge Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, replaced Martinez for the Nations League campaign.\n\nPortugal started the tournament with a 1-0 home win over Wales, with Ronaldo playing the first 67 minutes. He was an unused substitute in the 2-1 away victory over Norway but then left the squad before the Denmark match. As of now, Portugal leads Group A4 with nine points from nine and will face Norway at home on Sunday. Their final group match will be against Denmark on November 14, followed by a game in Wales on November 17. If they finish in the top two, they would qualify for the quarter-finals in March, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for June.",
  "summary": "Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country's greatest footballing figure despite leaving the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Ronaldo 'greatest symbol' of Portugal - Fernandes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/ronaldo-greatest-symbol-of-portugal-fernandes",
        "published": "2026-10-03T18:57:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}