Portugal's First Match After Diogo Jota's Departure And Ronaldo's Record

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has the opportunity to set a record against Armenia. (X/@selecaoportugal)

JAKARTA - Portugal played their first match since the departure of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota who died in a car accident against Armenia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match in Group F which was held at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Saturday, September 6, 2025 evening WIB, opened up opportunities for Cristiano Ronaldo to set a record.

Jota remains in the hearts of the Portugal national team. When the federation wanted to rest the number 21 used by Jota. But the family allowed the number to be worn by other players.

And, Ruben Neves, his close friend who wore the jersey number when Portugal faced Armenia in the first qualifying match.

Coach Roberto Martinez stated that the Jota family decided that the number would still be used. Neves wears the number as a form of respect for his friend who has played together at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Neves also had a tattoo on his feet describing him hugging Jota.

It's just that this defensive midfielder Al-Hilal will compete for a starting position with Vitinha.

Coach Martinez also likely made Vitinha his first choice. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are definitely in the starting line up in midfield.

Martinez only lost defender Diogo Dalot who suffered a muscle injury so he was absent from strengthening Portugal.

With Manchester United defenders out of action, Martinez gave Joao Cancelo the opportunity to play right-back. Midfielder Joao Neves will be placed as a defender to strengthen the defense sector.

Ronaldo will be in the spotlight. Even though he is 40, the Al-Nassr star remains in the Portugal squad. Not only that, Martinez still makes Ronaldo the captain of the team.

The former MU and Real Madrid star has the opportunity to extend the record he has set. He is the top scorer in the history of the Portugal national team by collecting 138 goals and the most performances.

Ronaldo, who has also played at Juventus, has 221 times defended Selecao and Quinas.

Ronaldo was quite 'affordable' with the Armenian goal and had a fairly impressive goal record. He scored five goals in four games against Armenia.

Martinez will place Ronaldo alongside Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao. They started when Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final in June 2025.