Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for the latest Portugal squad, marking the first group named by new head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old captain joins a 25-man roster ahead of the team’s upcoming Nations League campaign, which begins with a home match against Wales on September 24.
The appointment of the 72-year-old Jesus in July followed the resignation of Roberto Martinez in the wake of Portugal’s exit from the World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the last 16 by Spain. Following that disappointment, Ronaldo confirmed in July that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance in the tournament, though he has not yet made a definitive decision regarding his long-term international future. In August, he further prompted retirement discussions by suggesting his playing career could conclude within the coming year.
Addressing his selection process, Jesus emphasized a focus on current form rather than past achievements. “His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” the coach stated during a news conference on Friday. He noted that 13 players in the squad have previous experience working with him. Regarding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Jesus remarked: “Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t. He has a different status, but does that factor into my decisions? No. However, the fact that he is different is.”
Ronaldo, one of the most decorated figures in the sport, has enjoyed a prolific career since debuting for Sporting in 2002, securing major honors across stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. Following the September 24 opener against Wales, Portugal is scheduled to face Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1, before concluding this stretch with a return match against Norway on October 4.
The full squad features: Goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, and Samuel Soares. Defenders included are Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, and Tomas Araujo. The midfield consists of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva. Rounding out the attack alongside Ronaldo are Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Rafael Leao. The report also notes that ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain, leaving the sport’s biggest prize absent from his trophy cabinet. The report also notes that but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future, ronaldo confirmed in July that the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup would be his last in that competition.
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