The Portugal national team is preparing for a future without Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nani, Euro 2016 winner, points the way: team unity. At 41, Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career, and the former Sporting and Manchester United winger stresses that the secret lies in a united, technical squad.
Nani, 39 and still playing for Aqtobe (Kazakhstan), spoke to the Brazilian press in São Paulo. For the forward, Ronaldo’s farewell is natural, but his legacy is undeniable: "He is an idol for all football lovers." The focus now, he says, must be on teamwork and possession, with a balanced generation across all sectors.
The team has scored 6 goals and conceded 1 (+5 goal difference) in the tournament. Their last match was a 0-1 loss to Spain (July 6, 2026), and their next fixture is against Wales at home on September 24. Recent form is mixed: 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 5 games (LLWWD).
Nani, with Cape Verdean roots, praised the Lusophone nation’s World Cup 2026 debut, where they reached the Round of 16. "It was wonderful to see Cape Verde play at that level in a World Cup," he said.
