Ronaldo included in Portugal squad to end international retirement uncertainty

Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to represent Portugal after being selected for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures by new head coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old forward had not confirmed whether he would remain available for international football following Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 defeat by eventual champions Spain in July.

Ronaldo had said the tournament would be his final World Cup, but stopped short of announcing his retirement from Portugal duty. His inclusion in Jesus’ first squad confirms he is still willing to play for the national team as Portugal begin a new era under their new manager.

Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s World Cup exit. The former Al-Nassr coach already knows Ronaldo from their time together in Saudi Arabia, where they won the league title last season.

However, Jesus said Ronaldo would not be guaranteed a place in the team because of his status.

“All the called-up players are at my disposal; if he performs well, he plays. If he doesn’t perform well, he doesn’t play. That’s how I treat everyone,” Jesus told reporters.

Ronaldo is the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals for Portugal. He is also pursuing 1,000 goals across his club and international career, having scored 979 so far.

Jesus believes the landmark is more likely to be reached with Al-Nassr than with Portugal.

“I think he’s more likely to score his thousandth goal for Al-Nassr than for the Portuguese national team,” he said.

Portugal start their Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24. They then travel to face Norway three days later, before an away match against Denmark on October 1 and a home fixture with Norway on October 4.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares.

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

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

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