Portugal host Armenia on Sunday afternoon, needing a win to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. But for the first time in many decisive matches over the past two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent.

The national team captain was sent off during Portugal’s surprising 2-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland and will not be at Estádio do Dragão as Portugal aim for what would have been Ronaldo’s fifth World Cup qualification.

At 40, Ronaldo’s legacy with Portugal is unparalleled. With 226 appearances, he is the nation’s most-capped player, surpassing João Moutinho by more than 80 games. But it’s his goal-scoring record that truly sets him apart.

Ronaldo has scored 143 goals for Portugal—nearly 100 more than second-highest scorer Pauleta (47) and 102 more than legendary Eusebio (41), who will be honored at Estádio do Dragão.

But now the question looms: without Ronaldo, who will step up and score?

Bruno Fernandes Closing in on Rui Costa

For years, Ronaldo dominated Portugal’s attack, leaving few opportunities for other players to become regular goal scorers. With the Al Nassr star absent, Bruno Fernandes emerges as the top scoring option.

The Manchester United midfielder returns from suspension and, if he scores against Armenia, will match Rui Costa’s tally of 26 goals for Portugal. At 31, Fernandes is approaching the top five national scorers, which include Nuno Gomes (29) and Luís Figo (32). Beyond Fernandes, however, Portugal’s squad is relatively inexperienced in taking on the goal-scoring burden.

Looking for Goal Scorers

In recent years, Portugal has struggled to produce reliable scorers outside of Ronaldo. Andre Silva, who scored 19 goals for the national team, has not been in the squad for some time. The next candidate is Bernardo Silva.

The Manchester City star has 14 goals in 106 appearances, giving him a low strike rate compared to other top scorers. His record mirrors that of the late Diogo Jota, who scored 14 goals in 49 games. Comparisons with former internationals like Simao Sabrosa (22 in 85) and Sergio Conceição (12 in 56) highlight the challenge Portugal faces without Ronaldo.

Bernardo Silva averages 0.13 goals per game—slightly above defender Bruno Alves (0.11)—and below players like João Cancelo (12 in 63). Joao Felix, with 11 goals, is another option, but no other squad member has reached double digits.

Gonçalo Ramos, often seen as Ronaldo’s understudy, boasts a goal every 0.43 games and could reach double figures if he finds the net against Armenia. Rafael Leao (5 goals in 42 games) and Diogo Dalot (3 in 31) provide limited scoring depth.

Other active players, such as Gonçalo Guedes (7), William Carvalho (5), Ricardo Horta (4), and Raphael Guerreiro (4), would rank among Portugal’s top scorers if called up for this international window.

With World Cup qualification on the line, Portugal faces a critical challenge: who will take on the responsibility of scoring in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo?