Portugal's Bruno Fernandes has equalled Nuno Gomes in the national team's goal-scoring pantheon, netting his 29th international goal in a pre-World Cup friendly that saw the hosts edge Chile 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor. The Manchester United midfielder's strike, a long-range effort in the 75th minute, cemented his status as Portugal's fifth all-time leading scorer.
The Milestone
Fernandes now shares 5th place in Portugal's all-time scoring chart with Nuno Gomes (29 goals), trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (143), Pauleta (47), Eusébio (41), and Luís Figo (32). Of his 29 goals, 26 have come during his time at Manchester United since joining in January 2020. His most prolific period came during the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, where he scored 15 goals across the cycle, including a hat-trick in Portugal's 9-0 demolition of Armenia at the Estádio do Dragão last November.
His 88 caps place him among Portugal's most capped players, with a consistent scoring record that has established him as a vital attacking midfielder for the national team.
Guedes Returns to Form
The evening's standout subplot was the resurgence of Gonçalo Guedes, who entered at halftime and opened the scoring in the 58th minute. The 26-year-old had not found the net for Portugal since June 9, 2022, enduring nearly four years without an international goal and making just three appearances in that span.
Now thriving at Real Sociedad in La Liga, Guedes' return to the scoresheet was set up by Rúben Neves. His 8th goal for Portugal comes across 34 appearances and places him in a seven-way tie for 35th on Portugal's all-time list alongside Vítor Silva, Coluna, Carlos Manuel, Oceano, Fernando Couto, and Pepe.
Match Details
Rui Silva entered at halftime for his third international cap and conceded his first-ever goal for Portugal when Lucas Cepeda struck in the 92nd minute. The match was also disrupted by first-half red cards for both Portugal's Rafael Leão and Chile's Iván Román following an on-field confrontation, forcing both managers to adjust their tactical approach.
The victory provided valuable minutes for squad players ahead of Portugal's World Cup campaign.
