Portuguese expert: Portugal will have a star shine at the World Cup, but it won't be Ronaldo

Portuguese coach Luis Viegas anticipates a different World Cup campaign for Portugal, suggesting that while Cristiano Ronaldo remains a legend, another player will emerge as the team's shining star. Viegas believes this shift is necessary given Ronaldo's age and the team's evolving dynamics.

“

I believe this will be a very, very different World Cup for Portugal, at least compared to the most recent World Cup and Euro.

Viegas specifically named Bruno Fernandes as the player he expects to dazzle on the world stage. He pointed to Fernandes's recent strong season with Manchester United and his relative freshness due to fewer matches played compared to some teammates. The coach emphasized the quality of Portugal's midfield, which includes talents like Vitinha and Joao Neves, as a key factor that will benefit Fernandes.

“

He is a contemporary legend, and deserves no criticism or blame whatsoever.

"Bruno is a player who is creative, with high improvisation and technique," Viegas stated. He believes Fernandes will thrive with supportive midfielders who can control the tempo and retain possession. This synergy, Viegas explained, will allow Fernandes to be a crucial offensive threat, capable of scoring from outside the box – a vital skill in modern football where strikers face tight marking.

“

But to choose a star that I am sure will shine, and lead Portugal far in the World Cup, I don't think that name is Ronaldo. The one I think of is Bruno Fernandes.

While expressing reservations about coach Roberto Martinez's personal coaching style, Viegas acknowledged the positive team atmosphere being cultivated. However, he raised concerns about the defensive capabilities, particularly the center-back positions, suggesting that players like Joao Neves will have significant defensive duties to prevent dangerous counter-attacks. Portugal is set to begin its World Cup 2026 campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 18.

“

Portugal has the best midfield in world football right now. And Bruno Fernandes will benefit from that.