Cristiano Ronaldo ends retirement speculation after being named in Portugal’s Nations League squad under new coach Jorge Jesus, confirming his international future as Portugal prepare to face Wales, Norway and Denmark in their upcoming fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo has ended speculation over his international future after being named in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures by new head coach Jorge Jesus. The inclusion of the veteran forward confirms that the 41-year-old remains available for international duty as Portugal begin a new era under their new manager.
Ronaldo had remained uncertain about his future with the national team following Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 defeat against Spain in July. Spain went on to win the tournament, while Ronaldo had indicated that the 2026 World Cup was likely to be his final appearance at the competition. However, he had not announced his retirement from international football.
His selection in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad has now provided clarity over his immediate international future. Ronaldo will continue to be part of Portugal’s plans as the European side prepare for their Nations League campaign and look to establish a new direction following their World Cup disappointment.
Jesus was appointed Portugal head coach after Roberto Martinez left the position following the team’s World Cup exit. The appointment also brings Jesus back into contact with Ronaldo, having previously worked with the forward at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Their time together at club level ended with the team winning the league title last season.
Despite his longstanding relationship with Ronaldo, Jesus has made it clear that the forward will not receive special treatment under his management. The new Portugal coach said selection and playing opportunities would be based on performance, with the same standard applying to every player in the squad.
“All the called-up players are at my disposal; if he performs well, he plays. If he doesn’t perform well, he doesn’t play. That’s how I treat everyone,” Jesus told reporters.
Ronaldo remains the leading scorer in men’s international football, having scored 146 goals for Portugal. He is also approaching another major career milestone, with his combined club and international tally currently standing at 979 goals. The Portuguese captain is therefore just 21 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals.
Jesus believes Ronaldo is more likely to reach the landmark with Al-Nassr than with Portugal, given the number of opportunities available at club level. “I think he’s more likely to score his thousandth goal for Al-Nassr than for the Portuguese national team,” Jesus said.
Portugal will begin their Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24. They will then travel to face Norway on September 27 before taking on Denmark away on October 1. Portugal’s next home fixture against Norway is scheduled for October 4.
Ronaldo’s presence provides continuity for Portugal as Jesus begins his tenure. The squad also includes several established names, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Vitinha and Rafael Leao, alongside a number of younger players.
Portugal’s goalkeepers for the upcoming fixtures are Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares. The defensive group features Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares and Nuno Mendes.
The midfield selection includes Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva. Ronaldo leads the forward line alongside Fabio Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.
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With Ronaldo included in the squad, Portugal will enter the Nations League with their long-serving captain still available for international football. His selection also marks the beginning of a new chapter under Jesus, with the coach expected to balance Ronaldo’s experience with the emerging generation of Portuguese players.
