In Oeiras, on Lisbon’s western edge, Jorge Jesus has begun Portugal’s next international chapter with a familiar name at its centre: Cristiano Ronaldo remains in the squad for the opening Nations League fixtures, despite the new coach insisting that reputation will not determine selection.
Jesus opens Portugal era with Ronaldo included
Jesus named a 25-man group on Friday for Portugal’s Nations League title defence, his first squad since taking over from Roberto Martínez in July. Ronaldo, now 41, is among the players selected as Portugal prepare for a September and October programme spanning Lisbon, Norway and Porto.
The new coach acknowledged that the Al Nassr forward occupies a special place in Portuguese football after a career that includes five Ballons d’Or. But, speaking at Portugal’s Cidade do Futebol base, Jesus said the captain’s standing would not provide any exemption from normal selection standards.
“Cristiano has a different status,” Jesus said. “But what matters is his performance; the past does not count.”
He added that Ronaldo would be treated as any other player when it came to minutes: if he performs, he plays; if he does not, he will not. Jesus stressed that Ronaldo’s exceptional career would have “zero” influence on his decisions, while accepting that his record distinguishes him from the rest of the group.
Familiar faces as a new identity takes shape
Ronaldo had raised doubts about whether he would continue with Portugal after the 2026 World Cup. Jesus said there had been no need for a specific conversation on that subject, having worked with the former Real Madrid forward at Saudi club Al Nassr last season.
“He knows my ideas and I know his,” the coach said.
Thirteen of the 25 selected players have previously worked under Jesus. He sees that shared experience as a useful starting point in establishing the identity of his Portugal team.
The squad broadly resembles the groups selected during Martínez’s time in charge, although Jesus believes his own approach is “completely different” from that of his predecessor. He has promised adjustments without seeking dramatic or unexpected changes.
Portugal’s Nations League schedule
- Portugal begin their defence of the Nations League on 24 September against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
- On 27 September, Jesus’s side travel to face Erling Haaland’s Norway.
- Portugal remain in the Nordic region for a meeting with Denmark on 1 October.
- The sequence concludes on 4 October, when Norway visit Porto’s Estádio do Dragão for the return match.
