The selection comes as Jorge Jesus begins his tenure, having replaced Roberto Martinez following Portugal’s departure in the last 16 of the World Cup. Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has also opted to recall Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva and Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha. Silva returns to the fold for the first time since November 2024, while Palhinha makes his comeback after an absence of nearly a year.
Nations League Campaign and Squad Dynamics
Portugal enters the 2026-27 Nations League as the reigning champions, having secured the title by defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final. The team is scheduled to kick off their campaign against Wales in Lisbon on September 24. This will be followed by a trip to Oslo to face Norway on September 27, an away fixture against Denmark on October 1, and a return match against Norway in Porto on October 4.
Ronaldo, who has netted over 950 goals throughout his professional career, recently indicated that the current season would likely be his final one in football. His inclusion follows a period of intense debate surrounding his international future, particularly after he became the first player to score at six different World Cups last summer. While his legacy remains unmatched, the transition under Jesus signals a new chapter for the Portuguese side as they look to defend their Nations League crown.
Zidane Names Mbappe as France Captain
In other international football news,
Zidane’s squad also features Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. Several notable players from the previous World Cup cycle, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram, were omitted, while Arsenal defender William Saliba was excluded due to injury. France’s Nations League campaign under Zidane begins with an away match against Turkey next Friday, followed by a fixture against Belgium in Brussels on September 28.
