Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed on Friday, November 6, that Bernardo Silva has been appointed as the new captain of the Portuguese national team. This decision comes after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career. Silva, a 32-year-old midfielder for Real Madrid, will lead the team in their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
Bernardo Silva has been selected as the new captain based on the number of international appearances. With 115 caps for Portugal, he emerges as the most-capped player after Ronaldo. Jesus explained that this was the criteria used for the captaincy selection. Silva will be part of a five-man leadership group that also includes Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, and Rúben Neves.
The leadership group brings together players with significant international experience. Bruno Fernandes has 97 caps, Rúben Dias has 84, João Cancelo has 77, and Rúben Neves has 73. This group will support Silva as he takes on his new role. Silva's first matches as captain will be against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the national team as Portugal's record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 234 caps and 146 goals. His retirement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football. Bernardo Silva and the new leadership group will look to build on the team's success, having already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Portugal won their opening four Group A4 matches, earning a spot in the quarter-finals. The team will look to continue their strong performance under Silva's leadership. The upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales will provide an opportunity for Silva to assert his captaincy and for the team to demonstrate their cohesion.
The appointment of Bernardo Silva as captain has been well-received by fans and pundits alike. His experience and leadership qualities make him a suitable candidate for the role. As Portugal continues to compete at the highest level, Silva's captaincy will be crucial in maintaining team morale and driving success.
With Silva at the helm, Portugal will look to achieve further success in the UEFA Nations League and beyond. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, who will assess the impact of Ronaldo's retirement and Silva's captaincy on the team's dynamics and results.
Key points
- Bernardo Silva has been appointed as Portugal's new captain following Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement.
- Silva's selection is based on his 115 international appearances, making him the most-capped player after Ronaldo.
- Silva will lead a five-man leadership group that includes Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, and Rúben Neves.
