“It’s a Shame”: Portugal Star Alberto Costa Regrets Missing Chance to Share Dressing Room With Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal defender Alberto Costa has described it as a disappointment that he will not get the opportunity to share a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo following his first senior national-team call-up. The Porto right-back has earned a place in Portugal’s squad for their final two UEFA Nations League group matches, but Ronaldo’s recent international retirement means the young defender will miss the chance to work alongside one of football’s greatest players.

Costa has joined Jorge Jesus’s squad ahead of Portugal’s fixtures against Denmark in Braga and Wales in Cardiff. The matches represent an important opportunity for the defender to establish himself at international level, while Portugal will look to maintain their perfect record in the competition.

Speaking at a press conference, Costa openly admitted that working with Ronaldo had been one of his professional ambitions. Although he is delighted with his first call-up, the defender expressed disappointment that the legendary forward will no longer be part of the national team setup.

Alberto Costa Calls Missing Cristiano Ronaldo a Shame After First Portugal Call-Up

Costa reported to Portugal’s training base at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras on Tuesday. His arrival came just days after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football through a social media video.

The 41-year-old forward ended his international career with an extraordinary record of 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal. His achievements included winning Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

In his retirement announcement, Ronaldo indicated that the time had come to hand back Portugal’s iconic number 7 shirt. His decision closed a remarkable chapter in the country’s football history and created an emotional moment for supporters and fellow players.

For Costa, the timing of his first international selection meant missing the opportunity to meet and train alongside Ronaldo as a teammate.

Speaking to reporters, the Porto defender explained his disappointment (translated from Portuguese):

“We were just in a meeting about the defensive side of our tactics, and it’s a shame I haven’t had the chance to be with Cristiano. Working with him was one of my career goals.”

His comments highlighted the significance of Ronaldo’s influence on Portuguese football. For a young player receiving his first national-team opportunity, sharing the dressing room with a player of Ronaldo’s experience and achievements would have been a valuable experience.

Alberto Costa Describes Portugal Call-Up as Fulfilment of a Career Goal

Despite missing the opportunity to work with Ronaldo, Costa has plenty of reasons to celebrate his selection. The defender described receiving his first Portugal call-up as the fulfilment of a major personal ambition.

He also revealed that he was in the gym when the squad announcement was taking place. Costa watched the press conference live and later saw his reaction become public through a video.

Reflecting on the moment, he said:

“It’s been a while since I was last here. It was the fulfilment of a goal, and I’m here to help. My reaction was made public; there’s a video. I was at the gym and watched the press conference live. It was the fulfilment of a goal and now we’re aiming for more.”

The defender’s comments show that he views the call-up as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the completion of his ambitions. His immediate focus will be contributing to the national team and making the most of the opportunity provided by the coaching staff.

Competition With João Cancelo and Diogo Dalot for Portugal’s Right-Back Position

Costa faces strong competition for a place in Portugal’s starting lineup. João Cancelo and Diogo Dalot are also available at right-back, giving Jorge Jesus multiple experienced options in that position.

Both defenders have considerable experience at the highest level of European football. Their presence means Costa will need to demonstrate his qualities during training and take advantage of any opportunities he receives.

However, the Porto defender does not view the competition as a threat. Instead, he described having the opportunity to compete alongside established international players as a privilege.

Working with experienced teammates could also help Costa understand the tactical demands of international football. His ability to adapt, contribute defensively and support attacks from the right side will be important as he looks to earn a regular place in the squad.

Alberto Costa’s Impressive 2025-26 Season With Porto

Costa’s first Portugal call-up follows an impressive period with Porto. The defender developed through the academy system at Vitória Guimarães before joining Juventus and subsequently moving to Porto in July 2025.

During the previous season with Porto, Costa made 47 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing eight assists. His contribution helped the club secure the Primeira Liga title.

His performances also earned him recognition in the league’s Team of the Season, highlighting his importance to Porto’s campaign.

The defender’s combination of defensive responsibilities and attacking contributions has helped strengthen his reputation. His ability to provide assists from the right side makes him an option who can contribute beyond his primary defensive duties.

The Portugal call-up represents another important milestone in his development. If he can translate his club performances into the international environment, Costa could become a useful option for the national team in future competitions.

How Portugal Have Performed in the Nations League Without Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal have maintained a perfect record in their UEFA Nations League group despite Ronaldo’s departure from the international setup. Jorge Jesus’s side have collected 12 points from four matches in Group A4, scoring nine goals and conceding four.

Their campaign began with a 1-0 victory over Wales in September. That match proved to be Ronaldo’s 234th and final international appearance before announcing his retirement.

Portugal then secured a 2-1 victory against Norway in Oslo. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in that match before leaving the national-team camp.

The Portuguese side continued their strong run with a 4-2 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen, a match played after Ronaldo had already departed from the squad. They subsequently recorded a 2-1 comeback victory against Norway at the Estádio do Dragão.

These results have given Portugal a commanding position in the group and demonstrated that the team can continue collecting victories without their longtime captain.

Portugal’s Nations League Group A4 Standings

Portugal currently lead Group A4 with 12 points from four matches. Denmark occupy second place with six points, while Wales and Norway have collected three points each.

Portugal have already secured a place in the quarter-finals and need just one additional point to guarantee first place in the group.

Their remaining fixtures against Denmark and Wales will provide another opportunity to maintain their momentum and finish the group stage at the top of the standings.

Denmark and Wales Matches Offer Alberto Costa an International Opportunity

Portugal’s final two Nations League group matches could provide Costa with an important opportunity to make his international debut or gain valuable experience within the senior squad.

The team will face Denmark in Braga on Saturday before travelling to Cardiff to take on Wales on November 17. With qualification already secured, Portugal will be aiming to protect their position at the top of Group A4.

For Costa, the immediate challenge is to impress Jorge Jesus and demonstrate that his performances at Porto can translate to the international stage.

Although he will not get the opportunity to share a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo, his first Portugal call-up remains a major career achievement. The defender now has the chance to begin building his own story with the national team while competing alongside some of Portugal’s most experienced players.