The 41-year-old’s inclusion comes as part of a 25-man squad named by
A New Era Under Jorge Jesus
The transition in leadership follows Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup round of 16. With the Nations League campaign set to begin on September 24 against Wales, all eyes are on how the new head coach will integrate his tactical vision with the existing talent pool. The upcoming schedule is demanding, with Portugal set to face Norway away on September 27, followed by a trip to Denmark on October 1 and a return fixture against Norway on October 4.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer in men's international football with 146 goals, continues to be a focal point for the team. While the five-time Ballon d'Or winner previously indicated that the recent FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at that specific tournament, he has not provided a definitive timeline for his retirement from international football. With the 2028 European Championship on the horizon, speculation regarding his long-term future remains a topic of interest, though his immediate focus remains on the Nations League.
The Full Portugal Squad
The squad selected by Jorge Jesus features a blend of established stars and emerging talent across all positions. The goalkeeping unit includes Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, and Samuel Soares. The defensive line consists of Gonçalo Inácio, João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, and Tomás Araújo.
In midfield, the selection features Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, João Neves, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva. The attacking options alongside Ronaldo include Fábio Silva, Francisco Trincão, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, Pedro Neto, and Rafael Leão. This group will look to build on the legacy of the 2016 European Championship-winning side as they navigate the challenges of the Nations League.
