Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025: Magic Ronaldo scores once again

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 have sparked intense debate following Portugal’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Hungary in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier on September 9, 2025, at Puskás Aréna, Budapest. João Cancelo emerged as the late hero with a stunning 20-yard strike, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a crucial penalty, and Bruno Fernandes struggled in a rollercoaster match.

Portugal vs Hungary Player Ratings 2025: João Cancelo Shines, Ronaldo Scores, Fernandes Falters in 3-2 Thriller

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 reflect a match defined by dramatic swings. Hungary stunned Portugal in the 21st minute when Barnabás Varga headed in Adam Nagy’s pinpoint cross, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse. Portugal, dominating with 64% possession and 2.1 expected goals (xG), equalized in the 36th minute through Bernardo Silva’s emphatic eight-yard finish, assisted by Cancelo. Ronaldo put Portugal ahead in the 58th minute, coolly converting a penalty after Loïc Négo’s handball. Varga’s second header in the 84th minute leveled the score, but Cancelo’s clinical 86th-minute curler secured Portugal’s second win in Group F. Fans on social media buzzed, with one posting, “Cancelo’s goal was pure magic!”

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 highlight Portugal’s resilience under Roberto Martínez, who praised Cancelo’s “clinical aspect” post-match. With six points from two matches, Portugal lead Armenia by three and Hungary by five, setting a strong foundation for their 2026 World Cup campaign.

Goalkeeper & Defense: Solid but Vulnerable

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 for the defensive unit show a mix of reliability and exposure:

• Diogo Costa (6/10): Portugal’s goalkeeper faced two shots on target, both resulting in Varga’s inch-perfect headers. Costa’s 83% pass accuracy aided build-up play, but he was helpless against Hungary’s clinical finishing. His distribution shone, completing 28 of 34 passes.

• Rúben Dias (7/10): The Manchester City stalwart anchored the defense, restricting Hungary to counter-attacks. His four interceptions and 91% pass accuracy (62/68) were pivotal, though Varga’s second goal exposed a rare gap.

• Rúben Neves (7/10): Deployed as a surprise center-back, the Al-Hilal midfielder adapted well, winning six duels and making three tackles. His 88% pass accuracy (55/62) and ball recoveries kept Portugal composed.

• Nuno Mendes (7/10): Playing left of a back three, Mendes balanced defensive solidity with attacking intent. His 78% pass accuracy (49/63) and two key passes, including a blocked shot, showed his versatility, though he was less adventurous than usual.

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 for the defense reflect a unit that controlled Hungary’s 0.8 xG but struggled with aerial duels, as Varga’s headers proved.

Midfield: Mixed Fortunes

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 for the midfield reveal contrasting performances:

• João Neves (6/10): The young PSG star tested Hungary’s debutant goalkeeper Balázs Tóth with two shots, including a volley saved in the 26th minute. His 85% pass accuracy (42/49) was solid, but he left gaps in transitions, allowing Hungary’s counters.

• Vitinha (6/10): The PSG midfielder’s vision shone with three key passes, including a sublime ball to Neves. However, his loose marking on Varga’s opener and occasional midfield openness cost him, despite an 89% pass accuracy (51/57).

• Bruno Fernandes (5/10): Manchester United’s captain endured a rare off-day, misplacing 12 passes (74% accuracy, 38/51) and failing to create a big chance. Substituted for Francisco Trincão in the 62nd minute, Fernandes’ struggles drew criticism, with one fan tweeting, “Bruno’s passing was off tonight.”

• João Cancelo (8/10): The Al-Hilal star, rated man of the match, was electric. His instinctive touch set up Silva’s equalizer, and his 20-yard curler in the 86th minute sealed the win. With 110 touches, 92% pass accuracy (67/73), and two key passes, Cancelo’s Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 score reflects his match-defining impact.

Cancelo’s versatility and clutch performance elevated Portugal, while Fernandes’ lackluster display highlighted midfield inconsistencies.

Attack: Ronaldo Delivers, Others Fade

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 for the attack showcase Ronaldo’s reliability amid mixed outputs:

• Bernardo Silva (7/10): The Manchester City star’s eight-yard rocket leveled the score, showcasing his composure. His 87% pass accuracy (45/52) and three dribbles kept Portugal ticking, though he faded late.

• Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10): The 40-year-old captain, chasing a sixth World Cup, won and converted a 58th-minute penalty, his third goal in two qualifiers. Denied by Tóth’s stunning saves and caught offside thrice, Ronaldo’s 7/10 rating reflects a solid, if not dominant, outing. Fans praised his composure, with one posting, “CR7’s penalty was ice-cold!”

• Pedro Neto (6/10): The Chelsea winger delivered four crosses but lacked directness, completing one dribble and losing possession 14 times. His 80% pass accuracy (36/45) was decent, but he failed to challenge Hungary’s Milos Kerkez consistently.

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 for the attack highlight Ronaldo’s clutch contribution, with Silva’s goal and Neto’s inconsistency rounding out the unit.

Tactical Insights and Substitutions

Martínez’s 3-4-3 formation, with Neves as a hybrid center-back, allowed Portugal to dominate possession but exposed them to Hungary’s counters. Substitutions, including Trincão for Fernandes (62nd minute), João Félix for Neto (78th), and Gonçalo Ramos for Ronaldo (86th), shifted momentum. Félix’s late shot, assisted by Cancelo, nearly added a fourth, while Ramos helped close out the game. The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 reflect Martínez’s bold tactics, though defensive frailties, conceding 2.0 xG from two shots, raise concerns.

Portugal’s 2026 World Cup Path

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 underscore Portugal’s strong start in Group F, with upcoming matches against Ireland (October 11) and Hungary (October 14) at Estádio José Alvalade. Ronaldo’s 141 international goals, including 38 in qualifiers, position him to chase Carlos Ruiz’s all-time record (39). Cancelo’s form, with a goal and assist in two qualifiers, makes him indispensable, while Fernandes must rebound to justify his captaincy. Fans are optimistic, with one commenting, “Portugal’s depth will carry us to 2026!”

Conclusion: Cancelo’s Heroics Lead Portugal

The Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 paint a picture of a thrilling 3-2 win, with João Cancelo’s late heroics and Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty overshadowing Bruno Fernandes’ struggles. Portugal’s resilience and attacking flair, generating 17 shots to Hungary’s five, signal their 2026 World Cup intent. Can Cancelo and Ronaldo lead Portugal to glory? Share your thoughts on the Portugal vs Hungary player ratings 2025 below!

FAQs: Portugal vs Hungary Player Ratings 2025

1. Who scored Portugal’s goals against Hungary?
   Bernardo Silva (36th minute), Cristiano Ronaldo (58th, penalty), and João Cancelo (86th) scored in the 3-2 win.

2. When was the Portugal vs Hungary match?
   It was on September 9, 2025, at Puskás Aréna, Budapest.

3. Why did Bruno Fernandes struggle?
   Fernandes misplaced 12 passes and failed to create big chances, leading to his 62nd-minute substitution.

4. Who was Portugal’s man of the match?
   João Cancelo, rated 8/10, for his assist and match-winning 20-yard goal.

5. What’s next for Portugal in the qualifiers?
   Portugal face Ireland on October 11, 2025, and Hungary on October 14, 2025.

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