Ronaldo: “I’ll be ready to start” – Ramos sends message to Portugal coach Martinez.

Portugal forward Gonçalo Ramos, who is expected to serve as the backup to captain Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has openly discussed his role in the national team.

During the 2025‑26 season with Paris Saint‑Germain, Ramos appeared in 45 matches, starting only 15 of them. He scored 12 goals and supplied two assists, averaging a goal contribution every 142 minutes—roughly one and a half games.

Internationally, Ramos has mainly come off the bench, as the centre‑forward position is occupied by Ronaldo. In 25 appearances for Portugal, he has netted 10 goals and added three assists, with just 10 starts.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo scored a single goal in the group stage, converting a penalty in a 3‑2 win over Ghana. In the Round of 16 clash with Switzerland, Ramos—who had played only ten minutes in the group stage—took the 41‑year‑old’s place in the starting lineup and made history.

He scored a hat‑trick and provided an assist in a 6‑1 triumph, cementing his arrival on the international stage. More recently, he has returned to a secondary role under coach Roberto Martínez.

Ramos spoke about his national‑team responsibilities on the watch.tm podcast with PSG and Portugal teammate Nuno Mendes. He stressed the need for patience and waiting for an opportunity.

The 24‑year‑old said (via @TheNassrZone on X), “Naturally, I would prefer to be a starter. However, when you observe the players performing well, you must consider: ‘Alright, they’re excelling… just wait for your opportunity.’”

With the most international appearances (228) and goals (143) in history, all attention will remain on Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.