Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected in the first squad announced by newly appointed Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, settling months of uncertainty about whether the 41-year-old would continue his international career. The Al-Nassr forward's inclusion in a 25-player group for four Nations League fixtures between 24 September and 4 October marks a significant moment after he declined to clarify his future following Portugal's World Cup elimination.
Ronaldo had remained non-committal about his international prospects in the aftermath of Portugal's round-of-16 defeat to eventual champions Spain in July. His ambiguous response—stating he would
meet the family and take decisions with a calm head—fuelled speculation that he might follow Lionel Messi's path into retirement from international competition. The selection by Jesus now provides clarity on his status within the national setup.
According to reports on the squad announcement, Ronaldo's career record stands at 146 goals across 233 appearances for Portugal, cementing his position as one of football's most prolific international performers. The forward, who previously announced that last summer's World Cup would mark his final tournament, was visibly emotional following the Spanish defeat.
Who is the new Portugal coach?
Jesus, aged 72, has taken over from Roberto Martinez following Portugal's World Cup exit. The appointment reunites the coach with Ronaldo after they worked together at club level, where they helped Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title for the first time in seven years during the previous season. Jesus's experience managing elite players and his recent success in Saudi Arabia position him to guide Portugal through this transitional period.
What is Portugal's Nations League schedule?
Portugal will begin their campaign at home to Wales on 24 September at 19:45 BST, according to fixture details. The team then travels to face Norway three days later on 27 September, followed by an away match against Denmark on 1 October. The group concludes with a home fixture against Norway on 4 October, giving Portugal four matches to establish themselves in the competition.
Which other notable players are in the squad?
The 25-player group includes several high-profile names from Europe's leading clubs. Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes feature alongside Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Chelsea's Pedro Neto. According to the full squad list, the selection also encompasses goalkeepers Diogo Costa and Rui Silva, defenders João Cancelo, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, and midfielders João Palhinha, João Neves, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva, alongside forwards Fábio Silva, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, and Rafael Leão.
What does Ronaldo's age mean for his future?
Ronaldo will reach 42 years old before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 when Euro 2028 takes place. His former Portugal teammate Pepe holds the record as the oldest player ever to compete in the Euros, having appeared at Euro 2024 aged 41 years and 130 days. Ronaldo's continued selection suggests Jesus views him as a valuable asset despite his advancing years, though questions remain about his long-term involvement in major tournaments.
The decision to include Ronaldo in this squad comes after a World Cup campaign marked by mixed performances and considerable debate about his role within the team. His selection under Jesus represents a fresh chapter in his international career, with the Nations League providing an opportunity to demonstrate his continued relevance at the highest level.
