Because the 28-year-old played for Sporting, the team where Portugal’s captain began his illustrious career before going on to greater things, his career has been intrinsically tied to that of Ronaldo.

Bruno Fernandes of Portugal has always taken a backseat to teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, but on Monday, the superstar scored two goals to lead his side past Uruguay and into the World Cup Round of 16.

Because the 28-year-old played for Sporting, the team where Portugal’s captain began his illustrious career before going on to greater things, his career has been intrinsically tied to that of Ronaldo.

In 2020, he relocated to Manchester United, another team where CR7 had previously made a lasting impression. After become as a vital member of the English team, Ronaldo returned to steal the show at the Fernandes last year.

While Fernandes lacks CR7’s strength, speed, or goal-scoring ability, he nevertheless made the necessary plays to help Portugal win in a match when Ronaldo huffed and puffed but was unable to register a point.

Despite Ronaldo’s initial claim that he had scored the goal, Fernandes’s whipped cross found its way past his head and into the net.

After that, he added another with a stoppage-time penalty in the second half, and a few seconds later, he attempted a hat-trick but rattled the post.

The 88,000-capacity Lusail stadium’s supporters almost entirely saved the loudest applause for Ronaldo throughout the whole match.

But Fernandes was glad to leave the field, knowing that the Portuguese team now had two household names on the biggest of worldwide platforms.

Despite being one of Europe’s top scorers in the midfield, Fernandes was destined to play Ronaldo’s supporting position at Sporting and United.

Fernandes remained neutral after Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford was abruptly interrupted by Manchester United due to his harsh criticism of the team.

He remarked at the time, “It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano.. but nothing lasts forever,” as a video of their chilly encounter at the Portugal team base before the World Cup went viral.

A masterful player with exceptional dexterity, a keen sense of touch, and an eye for goal, Fernandes guided them to their second World Cup victory, something they had only done twice before, in 1966 and 2006. They advanced to the tournament’s last four both times.

Fernandes, who is competing in his second World Cup as opposed to Ronaldo’s fifth, will be hoping that it is also Portugal’s most prosperous.