Ronaldo still on 979 goals as Portugal edge past Wales in Nations League opener
Portugal began their UEFA Nations League title defence with a 1-0 win over Wales, but Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and remains 21 goals short of the 1,000 milestone.
Portugal open Nations League defence with a narrow win
Portugal launched their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 home win over Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, in the first match under new head coach Jorge Jesus. The only goal, in the 21st minute, came from João Félix, whose deflected shot from the edge of the box beat the Welsh goalkeeper.
Ronaldo still waiting for goal number 1,000
Cristiano Ronaldo started up front for Portugal but could not add to his tally, remaining on 979 career goals - 21 short of the 1,000 mark. Of those, 833 have come for his club sides (Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr) and 146 for the national team. He had several chances: World Soccer Talk reports a save forced in the 9th minute, with the follow-up blocked by Wales' defence. The Guardian adds that Ronaldo squandered at least four good openings in the first half alone, including one from around 12 yards, and shot over from close range early in the second half after a Rúben Neves cross. A later effort was ruled out for offside after he latched onto a Bruno Fernandes pass.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 67th minute and left the pitch to an ovation from most of the home crowd, with the exception of the away section, according to The Guardian. Jesus said afterwards the substitution had been planned in advance to bring on a fresh player.
Wales competitive despite the gulf in class
Wales manager Craig Bellamy had warned before kick-off that his side would "suffer" in Lisbon. Wales were missing several regulars through injury, including Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Nathan Broadhead, according to the BBC. Even so, Wales grew into the game in the second half - Brennan Johnson hit the crossbar and Rúben Dias made a crucial block to deny Lewis Koumas. Bellamy said afterwards that Portugal's squad is valued at around £1.4bn, according to The Guardian, while praising his own players' effort.
What's next
Ronaldo's next chance to close in on 1,000 goals comes on September 27, when Portugal travel to Norway to play at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium. The Nations League window continues with an away trip to Denmark in Copenhagen on October 1, before Portugal host Norway again on October 4 in Porto.
