Denmark coach Brian Riemer backs Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal

Denmark coach Brian Riemer has dismissed suggestions that Portugal are better off without Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the veteran forward’s influence on the national team should not be underestimated.

Denmark host Portugal on Thursday in the Nations League, with the visitors having opened their title defence by beating Wales and Norway. Ronaldo started against Wales and had a goal disallowed, but was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway.

Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix scored in Ronaldo’s absence, prompting debate over whether Portugal could be more effective without their all-time leading scorer. Reports have also suggested tension between Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus, although Jesus said the decision to leave him out was tactical.

‘A bit absurd’ to question Ronaldo’s role

Riemer strongly rejected that debate. “I think it’s a bit absurd to be discussing this in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told TV2 Sport.

“I believe that many people underestimate the importance he has in the Portuguese team. I even think that, the day he retires, Portugal will have a problem.”

The Denmark coach highlighted Ronaldo’s authority within a squad containing several strong personalities and argued that his leadership extends beyond his goalscoring.

“There’s something called hierarchy. There are many strong personalities in a team like Portugal. Who will make decisions and set the terms? It can be a big challenge,” Riemer said.

“Definitely, you shouldn’t underestimate Ronaldo’s importance when he plays. Portugal’s best team is with Ronaldo playing.”

Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 games under Jesus for Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging a goal every 99 minutes. Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo could feature against Denmark, before Portugal face Norway again later in the extended international break.