Real Madrid summer signing loses leading role national team at the 2026 World Cup

Real Madrid summer signing loses leading role national team at the 2026 World Cup Real Madrid have made four summer signings so far, and the one that seemed the most dramatic and least likely was the arrival of Bernardo Silva. The versatile Portuguese star chose to leave Manchester City at the end of his contract last season, and La Liga seemed like his most likely destination. Initially, it looked like he would join Barcelona. Subsequently, Atletico Madrid leapfrogged them in the race, only for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid to swoop in at the 11th hour and get it done. Los Blancos ’ summer signing arrived at the World Cup expected to be one of Portugal’s important players, but the tournament has not gone to plan for him. According to Mundo Deportivo , Bernardo has gradually lost prominence under Roberto Martinez after starting Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo, a disappointing 1-1 draw. Since then, his role has changed completely. No longer a starter for Portugal. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) The former Manchester City midfielder has started on the bench, and he did not play a single minute in Portugal’s important group-stage match against Colombia. Portugal role has changed Bernardo did return to the pitch in the Round of 32 against Croatia, but only for 28 minutes, and he did not do much to convince Martinez to change his mind for the next match either. The current feeling is that he has fallen behind players such as Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix in Martinez’s attacking structure. That does not mean Bernardo has suddenly lost his quality. International tournaments can be strange, and coaches often choose profiles based on pace, match-ups and specific tactical needs. Still, it is fair to ask why a player of his intelligence and experience has become secondary for Portugal at such an important stage. Real Madrid must unlock him Mourinho has the challenge of unlocking Bernardo Silva. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Bernardo was signed because of what he has shown for years under Pep Guardiola: control, technique, movement between the lines, defensive work and the ability to make better decisions in crowded areas. Those qualities do not disappear because of one difficult World Cup. This is not a reason to panic, especially for Real Madrid. The real question is how Jose Mourinho plans to use him. Bernardo is not a pure winger anymore, and profiling him is very important. His value often comes in rhythm, control and tactical balance, and Los Blancos will need that, especially in matches where the team must manage possession and reduce chaos. For starters, Mourinho must give him a clear role. Portugal’s World Cup has not brought the best version of Bernardo Silva. Real Madrid will hope that, under Jose, they will find a way to use him better, and it remains to be seen how he fares in a Los Blancos jersey.