Gonçalo Ramos Accepts Ronaldo’s Shadow Role, Vows to Wait for His Moment at 2026 World Cup

Portugal striker Gonçalo Ramos has opened up about his role in the national team, admitting that while he would prefer to be a starter, he understands the reality of competing for a place behind captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is expected to enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Ronaldo’s backup, despite proving his quality whenever he has been given opportunities.

During the 2025/26 season at PSG, Ramos made 45 appearances across competitions, starting only 15 times. He still managed an impressive return of 12 goals and two assists, contributing a goal or assist approximately every 142 minutes.

His situation with Portugal has been similar. Ramos has recorded 10 goals and three assists in 25 international appearances, but only 10 of those matches have been starts, with Ronaldo continuing to lead the attack.

Ramos’ biggest moment in a Portugal shirt came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After making limited appearances during the group stage, he replaced Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Switzerland in the Round of 16 and produced a historic performance — scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in Portugal’s 6-1 victory.

That night appeared to announce Ramos as Portugal’s future number nine, but the striker has since returned to a supporting role under manager Roberto Martinez.

Speaking on the watch.tm podcast alongside PSG and Portugal teammate Nuno Mendes, Ramos admitted he naturally wants more playing time but understands he must remain patient.

“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,’” he said.

At 24 years old, Ramos still has plenty of time to establish himself as Portugal’s long-term striker. However, for now, he finds himself in a unique position — talented enough to lead many teams, but competing with one of football’s greatest-ever goalscorers.

With Cristiano Ronaldo holding the record as Portugal’s most-capped player with 228 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 143 goals, the spotlight will remain firmly on the veteran captain at the 2026 World Cup.

For Ramos, patience may be the key. As history has shown, opportunities can arrive suddenly — and when they do, he has already proven he can take them.