According to a report by daily post on Monday November 2, 2026, AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos has declared that he deserves a regular starting position in Portugal's national team, despite the expected return of Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming November Nations League fixtures.

According to his recent comments on Canal 11's programme Soltinhos peel Mundo, broadcast in two parts on October 27 and 28, the 25 year old forward believes his recent performances have demonstrated that he deserves more opportunities to represent his country.

Ramos benefited from Ronaldo's absence during Portugal's previous international break, starting the final three matches and finding the back of the net in each encounter. Portugal enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning all four of their Group A4 fixtures to secure qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.

Reflecting on his ambitions, the striker made it clear that he wants to become an established member of the starting lineup.

"I want to be a starter for the national team. I've made it clear that if anyone deserves to play, it's me. The coach and the entire country can see that," Ramos said.

However, he insisted that his ambition does not involve replacing Ronaldo, arguing that both forwards have the quality to play together.

He pointed to Portugal's Euro 2024 qualifying match against Slovakia in October 2023, when the two attackers started together and Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-2 victory.

"We respect Cristiano's status, but I think we could play together more often. My good form and goals could be rewarded without dropping Cristiano," he explained.

Ramos also expressed frustration over his limited playing opportunities at Portugal's previous major international tournaments. Although he maintained that he has no personal disagreement with former manager Roberto Martínez, he admitted that his involvement at Euro 2024 was disappointing.

"I have no resentment towards Roberto Martínez, but I lost Euro 2024. I only played 15 minutes against Georgia in a game that meant nothing," he said.

He also reflected on the 2026 World Cup, where he scored against Croatia but received limited playing time afterwards.

"I know I could have helped a lot. I missed two major tournaments that will never come back," he added.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been included in Portugal's provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.

Portugal will host Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales on November 17. The final squad is expected to be announced on November 6.

The 41-year-old's expected return comes after his 30-day suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation expired on October 30. The disciplinary measure followed his departure from the national team camp in September and also included a €255 fine.

Ramos will now hope his recent scoring performances are enough to convince Portugal's coaching staff that he deserves a regular starting role alongside the country's legendary captain.

Make the opening more neutralClarify Ramos’s tournament timelineShorten repeated starting-role references