Video: I want to be selected based on my performances says Ronaldo as he reaffirms commitment to Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo
Abdullateef Fowewe
Cristiano Ronaldo has made clear that his continued presence in the Portugal national team rests on current form rather than reputation, as the 41-year-old prepares for the UEFA Nations League under new coach Jorge Jesus.
In a press conference ahead of Portugal’s opening Group A match against Wales, Ronaldo addressed his call-up and long-term role with the Seleção.
“Being called up to the national team… If the manager wants to count on me — and I know he does, which is why I’m here — I want to be selected based on my performances,” he said.
He added, “I know the ins and outs of football and the national team very well. That’s what I’ll continue to do.”
The Portuguese Football Federation’s official account later shared a clip of the remarks with the message: “Um orgulho ver-te a representar Portugal, Cris” (“A pride to see you representing Portugal, Cris”), tagging the forward and the Nations League.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 earlier this year, had contemplated ending his international career after Portugal’s round-of-16 exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
He held talks with federation president Fernando Gomes and Jesus — his former club coach at Al-Nassr before deciding to continue.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 233 appearances and sits roughly 21 goals short of a landmark 1,000 career goals across club and country.
Jesus, appointed after Roberto Martínez’s departure, has named Ronaldo in his first squad and indicated the forward will start against Wales on Thursday at Estádio José Alvalade.
The coach has stressed selection will be based on present performance for every player, including the captain.
Portugal are defending Nations League champions after their 2025 triumph.
The side faces Wales at home, followed by matches against Norway and Denmark in the coming weeks.
Ronaldo has framed his ongoing involvement as both a contribution on the pitch and a source of experience for a new generation of players, while insisting he will step aside the moment he no longer adds value.
