Cristiano Ronaldo on course for Portugal return after September walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s preliminary squad for the November UEFA Nations League fixtures, bringing the 41-year-old closer to an international comeback after he left the team’s camp in anger in September.

A spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed to Agence France-Presse that Ronaldo had been included in the initial selection. The final squad is expected to be announced on 6 November.

Portugal will face Denmark in Braga on 14 November before travelling to Wales three days later for their final group-stage match in the competition.

Suspension will not prevent return

The Portuguese Football Federation announced last week that Ronaldo had been suspended for 30 days after leaving the national team camp on 30 September. However, the punishment was applied retrospectively from the date of the incident, allowing him to be available for the next international break.

Ronaldo apologised to Portugal supporters and his team-mates in a lengthy statement published on 7 October. He also confirmed that his relationship with manager Jorge Jesus had ended.

The dispute centred on Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s match against Norway, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Portuguese side. Ronaldo accused his manager of withdrawing a promise to leave him on the substitutes’ bench, as well as failing to follow an agreed approach for managing the disagreement during a news conference before the match against Denmark.

Portugal won that game 4-2. After the news conference, Ronaldo left the team’s camp in Copenhagen, triggering widespread debate over his future with the national side.

Portugal qualify without their captain

Portugal have continued to record positive results despite Ronaldo’s absence. They won their first four UEFA Nations League matches, including their last three without their captain, and have secured a place in the quarter-finals, which will be played in March 2027.

Ronaldo is expected to be involved in the next stage if he is selected in the final squad. He will turn 42 in February and has previously indicated that the current season could be the final campaign of his playing career.

At club level, Ronaldo is listed with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, with a fixture against Al Kholood scheduled for 29 October 2026. Portugal’s meeting with Denmark is listed for 14 November 2026 in the UEFA Nations League.