Lisbon’s next international window will open with a familiar figure still at the centre of Portugal’s plans. Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Jorge Jesus’s first squad as national-team coach, ending the immediate uncertainty around the captain’s role following the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and will continue to lead the side under Jesus, the former Al Nassr manager now beginning a new chapter with the national team. At his unveiling, Jesus underlined the value of the forward’s experience within a squad that also contains younger players eager to add further success for the country.
Portugal arrive as reigning UEFA Nations League holders and face four League A matches across the coming window. The schedule starts at home to Wales on 24 September before a trip to Norway three days later. Portugal then travel to Denmark on 1 October, with Norway returning for the final fixture in Portugal on 4 October.
A captain for the new era
The selection keeps Ronaldo as both the principal attacking reference and the symbolic link between Portugal’s established generation and the group Jesus hopes to shape. His inclusion means the new coach’s first camp will begin with the country’s most recognisable footballer still wearing the captain’s armband, as Portugal set out to defend their standing among Europe’s leading national sides.
