Portugal are preparing for a new chapter after the end of one of the most significant international careers in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement has brought an end to an era for the national team, leaving a major leadership role to be filled ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Manager Jorge Jesus has now announced his latest selection, with attention also turning to the player who will inherit the captain's armband.
Bernardo Silva named Portugal's new captain
According to Daily Post, Bernardo Silva has been named Portugal's new captain following Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football.
The Manchester City midfielder will take over the armband after establishing himself as one of the country's most experienced players.
Silva has made 115 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals since making his senior debut in 2015.
The report, citing The Touchline, states that Portugal's captaincy selection criteria favour the player with the most international caps.
The 32-year-old has already enjoyed considerable success with his country, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He now faces the responsibility of leading Portugal into their next international chapter, following Ronaldo's remarkable 23-year career.
The former captain finished his international journey with 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him Portugal's record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer.
Jorge Jesus names first Portugal squad since Ronaldo retirement
Jesus has also announced his first Portugal squad since Ronaldo confirmed his international retirement on Thursday.
According to Al Jazeera, the manager has included seven new faces for November's Nations League fixtures against Wales and Denmark, with five players promoted from the under-21s.
However, Ronaldo's absence inevitably dominated the squad announcement, with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença pledging that the legendary forward would receive the recognition he deserves.
“No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal,” Proença said ahead of the announcement.
“We will do everything we can to honour the legacy he leaves us. Everything he has done deserves to be honoured and celebrated.”
Proença also suggested that the federation would respect Ronaldo's decision, although it remains unclear whether the 41-year-old would agree to make a farewell appearance.
Jesus, meanwhile, faced questions about the circumstances surrounding the retirement.
Ronaldo had left Portugal's camp without permission at the end of September, ahead of a Nations League fixture against Denmark. He later cited broken promises from the manager as a reason for his departure.
Jesus insisted that his decisions had always been made in the team's best interests and said he was at peace with the situation.
He also revealed that he had not contacted Ronaldo following the announcement, explaining that he only became aware of the retirement when it was made public.
Portugal must now look ahead without their long-serving captain, with Silva expected to lead the team as they continue their Nations League campaign.
While Ronaldo's international legacy will be difficult to match, the appointment of a new captain marks the beginning of a different era for Portuguese football.
