Ronaldo named in Portugal squad at 41 as Jesus begins tenure
Cristiano Ronaldo
Abdullateef Fowewe
Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for Portugal’s national team squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, new head coach Jorge Jesus announced on Friday.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward features in Jesus’s first 25-man group, continuing his international career after the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal will play four fixtures in a compressed window at home to Wales on 24 September, away to Norway on 27 September, away to Denmark on 1 October, and at home again to Norway on 4 October.
The side is defending its Nations League title in League A Group 4.
Ronaldo’s inclusion ends speculation that he might step away from international duty following Portugal’s round-of-16 exit to eventual champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
He had indicated before the tournament that it would be his final World Cup appearance and later suggested the 2026-27 season could mark the end of his playing career.
Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season when the club won the Saudi Pro League, has retained the veteran alongside core players such as Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, João Neves and Nuno Mendes.
The squad also includes recalls and new faces, among them Lazio defender Nuno Tavares and Borussia Dortmund forward Fábio Silva.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 233 appearances.
Jesus has said selection will be based on current form rather than past achievements, while acknowledging Ronaldo’s unique status.
The call-up keeps the five-time Ballon d’Or winner available as Portugal begins its post-World Cup cycle under the 72-year-old coach.
