Ronaldo's VAR‑ruled goal deepens frustration in Portugal’s Nations League debut

Portugal’s 1‑0 win over Wales gave the defending champions a clean start to the 2026‑27 Nations League, but the night belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo’s personal disappointment after a VAR‑offside call erased what looked like his second goal.

Ronaldo, 41, had told reporters before the match that he had mulled retirement from international football after Portugal’s World Cup exit in the summer. He chose to carry on, captaining the title‑defending side in Lisbon – the stadium where he began his senior career 24 years ago – under new boss Jorge Jesus.

Al‑Nassr teammate João Félix opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, his 20‑yard strike deflecting off Ben Davies before finding the net. The early lead set the tone as Portugal began to dominate possession.

Ronaldo’s missed chance and VAR decision

Early in the second half Ronaldo pulled away from the Welsh defence and seemed poised to double the lead from a Ruben Neves cross, only for VAR to rule his finish offside. He celebrated briefly, waved his arms in frustration and the home crowd jeered as the decision stood.

In the 58th minute he again found the net after a through‑pass, but the goal was chalked off for the same reason. The repeated disappointment left him visibly upset before he was withdrawn in the 67th minute.

Jorge Jesus starts with João Félix to open the scoring against Wales

What lies ahead for Ronaldo and Portugal

Jesus explained the substitution, saying he needed a fresh attacker to press and that Gonçalo Ramos would add defensive speed up front. Ronaldo left to a standing ovation, having earned cap number 234 for Portugal.

Portugal finished with 23 shots to Wales’ five, the Welsh side missing several chances – Brennan Johnson’s effort hit the woodwork and Lewis Koumas’ follow‑up was blocked. Goalkeeper Danny Ward, making only his second appearance of the season, kept the scoreline narrow despite the absence of Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow.

Ronaldo remains on 979 career goals, 21 shy of the 1,000‑goal milestone, with 833 scored for club sides and 146 for the national team. Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures – against Norway in Oslo on 27 September, Denmark in Copenhagen on 1 October and a return clash with Norway in Porto on 4 October – will give the veteran multiple chances to close the gap.

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Jesus said he was satisfied with the team’s performance, noting that the win kept Portugal’s title defence on track and that the squad would look to build on the solid display in the matches ahead.