Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s first squad under new head coach Jorge Jesus, keeping the 41-year-old captain in the national team for the opening UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans despite uncertainty over how much longer he intends to continue his international career. He has previously indicated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, but he has not announced when he will officially end his time with the national side.
The decision means Ronaldo will continue to lead Portugal into the next stage of its campaign under Jesus, who has taken over following the departure of Roberto Martinez.
Martinez’s tenure ended after Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16. Jesus was subsequently appointed to take charge of the national team, bringing with him an existing relationship with Ronaldo from their time together at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
The two worked together during the previous season, when Al-Nassr won the league. Their reunion at international level now comes with Portugal preparing for a new Nations League campaign and the possibility of Ronaldo continuing to play a significant role.
Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has been the subject of growing attention because of his age and the approaching end of a career that has already spanned several generations of international football. He will be 43 when the 2028 European Championship is played, although he has not said whether he intends to remain available for selection until then.
For now, Jesus has made his position clear through his first squad selection: Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans.
Portugal will open its Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24. Three days later, the team will travel to face Norway.
The schedule continues in October, with Portugal visiting Denmark on October 1 before hosting Norway three days later. The four matches will give Jesus his first competitive opportunity to shape the team and establish his approach after taking over from Martinez.
For Ronaldo, the fixtures represent another chapter in an international career that is approaching its final stages, even if the exact timing of his departure from the Portugal shirt remains unknown.
