Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes said he and his teammates grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo during a press conference on Tuesday [1].

The comments highlight the enduring influence of Ronaldo on the current generation of Portuguese players as the team begins its World Cup campaign. This acknowledgment comes as the squad seeks to integrate veteran leadership with emerging talent in a high-stakes tournament environment.

Speaking ahead of the opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17, 2026 [1], Fernandes said the inspirational nature of Ronaldo's career served as a blueprint for success for many of the players currently in the national team setup.

"We grew up watching him," Fernandes said [1].

Portugal faces a challenging group stage schedule following the opening fixture. The team is slated to play Uzbekistan on June 23, 2026 [1], before concluding its initial round of matches against Colombia on June 27, 2026 [1].

The press conference served as a platform for the team to discuss their readiness for the tournament and the psychological state of the squad. By centering the conversation on Ronaldo's legacy, Fernandes signaled a sense of continuity and respect within the locker room, a factor often critical to the success of national teams during the World Cup.

“"We grew up watching him."”

The public endorsement by Bruno Fernandes underscores the symbolic importance of Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in the 2026 squad. By framing Ronaldo as a lifelong inspiration rather than just a teammate, the team is leveraging a legacy of success to build confidence and unity heading into their first group-stage matches.