That shift hasn’t gone unnoticed outside the pitch either. As Portugal’s midfield becomes the focal point of the team, match previews, odds movement, and player-specific markets increasingly revolve around control, tempo, and distribution rather than just goals. Portuguese fans noticed this, which is why they are turning to platforms like O Jogo in search of the best betting sites, where games involving Portugal get framed with sharper focus on possession battles, passing metrics, and midfield matchups—far more than in past tournaments.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that this version of Portugal wins games through structure and balance, not just moments of individual brilliance.

Vitinha Is Now the Team’s Centre of Gravity

Vitinha being valued at around €110 million tells you where modern football places its trust. He isn’t the loudest player on the pitch and he doesn’t dominate headlines, but he controls matches in a way international football rewards.

At PSG, he plays through pressure rather than around it. That carries over to the national team. When Portugal need calm rather than speed, he’s the one who keeps the ball moving without slowing the game down too much. That kind of control matters more in tournaments than it does in league football.

João Neves Feels Ahead of Schedule

At 21, João Neves sharing the same valuation as Vitinha is unusual, but it reflects how quickly he’s adjusted to elite football. He doesn’t play like someone waiting to grow into the level. He already belongs there.

What stands out with Neves is decision-making. He presses, but not wildly. He passes forward, but not carelessly. Portuguese newspapers often describe him as “reliable,” which is not a word usually attached to players his age. For a national team, that reliability is gold.

Bruno Fernandes Is Still the Risk-Taker

Bruno Fernandes may no longer top the valuation list, but Portugal still lean on him when matches need to break open. His role hasn’t changed much. He takes responsibility when structure alone isn’t enough. He’s the one willing to force a pass, take a shot that others won’t, or demand the ball when the tempo drops. In tight knockout games, that edge still matters, even if it comes with mistakes.

Rafael Leão Gives Portugal an Escape Route

When Portugal struggle to progress through the middle, Rafael Leão offers a way out. He doesn’t need elaborate buildup. He needs space and a defender isolated in front of him.

His value reflects that ability to change the shape of a game quickly. Teams defend deeper when he’s on the pitch, which gives Portugal’s midfield more room to operate. He doesn’t control matches, but he distorts them.

Ronaldo Still Changes the Equation

Ignoring Cristiano Ronaldo would miss the point entirely. He’s no longer Portugal’s most valuable player on paper, but he remains their most influential presence psychologically. Defenders still track him differently. Crowds still react when he touches the ball. His role is no longer about carrying the team for 90 minutes, but about moments. Penalty-box positioning. Big-game experience. Leadership that doesn’t show up in data. Portugal are better now because they no longer depend on him. But they’re also stronger because he’s still there.

What This Mix Means for Portugal

The numbers from Transfermarkt tell one story. The pitch tells another. Together, they suggest a team that finally has balance. Youth and control in midfield. Pace out wide. Experience up front. Portugal used to feel dangerous but fragile. Now they feel steady, with the ability to shift gears when needed. That doesn’t guarantee trophies, but it does mean they arrive at tournaments with fewer obvious weaknesses. This generation won’t be remembered for one player alone. And that might be exactly why it has a chance to go further than the last.