Cristiano Ronaldo included in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad, keeping the 41-year-old forward’s international career alive for the time being.

Ronaldo is one of 25 players selected for Portugal’s four Nations League matches, despite previously leaving his international future uncertain after the country’s World Cup exit.

He confirmed in July that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. Following Portugal’s last-16 defeat by eventual champions Spain, Ronaldo was asked whether he would continue playing for his country.

“I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” he said.

Those comments led to suggestions that Ronaldo might follow Lionel Messi and retire from international football. Instead, he remains available as Portugal prepare to begin their Nations League campaign under new manager Jesus.

Jesus worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, when the Saudi club won the league title for the first time in seven years.

The 72-year-old was appointed in July after Roberto Martinez left following Portugal’s World Cup elimination. Jesus has stressed that Ronaldo’s status will not guarantee him a place in the starting line-up.

“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” Jesus said.

“Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t. He has a different status – he has five Ballon d’Or awards – but does that factor into my decisions? No. However, the fact that he is different is.”

Ronaldo is the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals, and was part of the Portugal team that won Euro 2016.

He will be 42 before next year’s Nations League finals and 43 by Euro 2028. He has not formally announced his retirement from international football.

Portugal’s campaign begins at home against Wales on 24 September. They travel to play Norway three days later, before an away match against Denmark on 1 October and a home fixture with Norway on 4 October.

The squad also features Manchester United pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias and Chelsea forward Pedro Neto.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares

Defenders: Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao