Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Ronaldo Returns to Portugal Squad Under Jorge Jesus
Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen to play for Portugal again.
The team will compete in several Nations League matches.
Jorge Jesus is Portugal’s new coach and picked Ronaldo in his first squad.
Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo has said the 2026 World Cup will be his last, although he has not said when he will stop playing for Portugal.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals for his country, more than any other men’s international player.
He has also won five Ballon d’Or awards.
Jesus said Ronaldo will need to play well to be selected for matches.
Portugal’s Nations League games begin against Wales on September 24.
Cristiano Ronaldo was selected for Portugal’s Nations League squad by new coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo, 41, has said the 2026 World Cup will be his last, but has not announced when he will retire internationally.
Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to Spain and previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Jesus said Ronaldo’s reputation will not guarantee him a starting place, despite his exceptional career achievements.
Portugal will host Wales on September 24, then face Norway away, Denmark away, and Norway at home.
- Who
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team, and new head coach Jorge Jesus.
- What
- Ronaldo was included in Portugal’s squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
- When
- The squad was announced on Friday, September 18; Portugal’s matches are scheduled for September 24, September 27, October 1, and October 4.
- Where
- Portugal will host Wales and Norway, while playing Norway and Denmark away.
- Why
- Jesus selected the squad for Portugal’s Nations League campaign after replacing Roberto Martinez.
Performance-Based Selection
Ronaldo’s Special Status
Starting place
Performance-Based Selection
Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo will play if he performs well and will not play if he does not, applying the same standard to all called-up players.
Ronaldo’s Special Status
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or awards and career give him a status different from the other players.
International future
Performance-Based Selection
Ronaldo has not confirmed when he will retire from international football, so his continued selection depends on future decisions and performances.
Ronaldo’s Special Status
His inclusion shows that Portugal still considers the 41-year-old captain an important member of the national team ahead of the Nations League matches.
- Player
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Age
- 41
- New coach
- Jorge Jesus, 72
- International goals
- 146, the leading total in men’s international football
- Career goals
- 979, according to one report
- First match
- Portugal hosts Wales on September 24
- Ronaldo’s stated World Cup plan
- He has said the 2026 World Cup will be his last
- Portugal’s major achievement with Ronaldo
- Winning Euro 2016
