Ronaldo named in Jesus' first Portugal squad
September 18, 2026 15:10
Jorge Jesus has named Cristiano Ronaldo in his first Portugal squad as national coach, selecting a 25-man group for four Nations League fixtures between 24 September and 4 October. Portugal's choice ends speculation that the 41-year-old forward might retire from international football following the World Cup.
KEY CONTEXT
Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez, who stepped down as Portugal coach after the nation's World Cup exit. The 72-year-old was Ronaldo's club manager at Al-Nassr last season; the pair helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years.
Ronaldo had said this summer's World Cup would be his last and was in tears after Portugal's round-of-16 defeat by Spain. When asked whether he would continue internationally, he said: "I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head." The forward has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.
Age is a factor noted around the squad: Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and would be 43 by Euro 2028. The oldest player in the history of the Euros is his former team-mate Pepe, who was 41 years and 130 days for his last game at Euro 2024.
SQUAD HIGHLIGHTS AND FIXTURES
Also included in Jesus's selection are Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias and Chelsea's Pedro Neto.
Portugal's Nations League schedule in this window:
- Home v Wales, 24 September (19:45 BST)
- Away v Norway, 27 September
- Away v Denmark, 1 October
- Home v Norway, 4 October
Source: BBC Sport Football