Portugal’s new era will begin with a familiar No. 7 still in the frame. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, has been selected in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad, extending an international career that has already crossed several generations.
Jesus keeps Ronaldo in his first 25-man group
Jorge Jesus named a 25-player selection on Friday for Portugal’s opening four Nations League fixtures. Ronaldo remains involved despite suggesting in August that the current campaign would “probably” be his last as a professional footballer.
The Al-Nassr forward, coached by Jesus at club level last season in Saudi Arabia, is set to work under his sixth Portugal manager. His international career began under Luiz Felipe Scolari, before spells under Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, Fernando Santos and Roberto Martinez.
Jesus made clear that Ronaldo’s reputation will not guarantee a starting place.
“He is like any other player: if he delivers, he plays; if he does not, he does not play,” the new coach said. Jesus recognised Ronaldo’s exceptional record, including five Ballons d’Or, but insisted it would not determine his team selection.
World Cup debate still fresh
Ronaldo’s inclusion follows a difficult World Cup for Portugal, who were knocked out by Spain in the round of 16. The striker started every match but scored only twice, against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 win and Croatia in a 2-1 victory.
Martinez faced criticism during that tournament for continually starting Ronaldo while Gonçalo Ramos, viewed as his main alternative at centre-forward, received limited minutes.
There are a small number of fresh faces in Jesus’ first call-up, including Borussia Dortmund striker Fabio Silva and Benfica defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Portuguese contingent is also present, with Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and João Neves all retained for the Nations League programme.
Portugal’s Nations League schedule
Portugal have won the competition twice, lifting the trophy in 2019 and again in 2025. Their next four matches arrive in quick succession:
- Portugal host Wales in Lisbon on Thursday 24 September.
- Portugal travel to Norway on Sunday 27 September.
- Portugal face Denmark away on Thursday 1 October.
- Portugal welcome Norway in Porto on Sunday 4 October.
For Ronaldo, the fixtures offer another chance to prove that the international farewell is not yet ready to be written.
