Portugal name first post-Ronaldo squad with new faces and three Saudi Pro League players

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has announced his first squad since Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to end his international career, with new call-ups Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela included.

Portugal will face Denmark and Wales in their final two Nations League group matches.

The squad is missing Francisco Conceicao, who is suspended, and injured Nuno Mendes. Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio has also been left out.

Porto defender Alberto Costa and Monza forward Gustavo Varela have received their first senior call-ups. Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda are also included and will be hoping to make their international debuts after previously being selected without appearing for the senior side.

The squad contains three players from the Saudi Pro League: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal, Francis Trincao of Al Ahli and Joao Felix of Al Nassr.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Samuel Soares (Benfica).

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Tomas Araujo (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Antonio Silva (Bournemouth), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Tavares (Lazio).

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Aston Villa), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Matheus Fernandes (Tottenham), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francis Trincao (Al Ahli), Carlos Forbes (Club Brugge), Rafael Leao (Galatasaray), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Goncalo Ramos (Milan), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Gustavo Varela (Monza).

Portugal lead their group with a perfect record, having collected 12 points from four victories.

They have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, which will be played over two legs in March 2027.