According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday November 10, 2026, Portugal defender Alberto Costa has expressed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to share a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo following his first senior international call-up.

The Porto right-back has received his maiden invitation to the Portugal national team for their final two UEFA Nations League group matches against Denmark and Wales.

However, his excitement at achieving an important career milestone has been mixed with disappointment following Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football.

The 41-year-old announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on social media, bringing an end to an extraordinary international career that saw him make 234 appearances and score 146 goals.

Ronaldo also helped his country win the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

His retirement means Costa will not have the opportunity to play alongside one of the greatest footballers in history, something the young defender had hoped to achieve during his career.

Speaking at a press conference after reporting to Portugal's training camp, Costa admitted that he was disappointed about missing out on the opportunity to work with the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar.

"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," Costa said.

The defender's comments demonstrate the enormous influence Ronaldo continues to have on younger Portuguese footballers, even as he prepares to begin a new chapter away from international football.

Despite missing the opportunity to share the dressing room with the Al-Nassr forward, Costa will be eager to make the most of his first opportunity with the senior national team.

The 22-year-old described his selection as the fulfilment of a major ambition and explained how he reacted when he discovered that he had been included in Jorge Jesus's squad.

"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," he added.

Costa came through the academy at Vitória Guimarães before joining Porto from Juventus in July 2025.

He enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign, making 47 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing eight assists.