Daijiworld Media Network - Lisbon
Lisbon, Sep 18: Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his availability for international selection after being named in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The announcement marks the first squad selection under new head coach Jorge Jesus, who succeeded Roberto Martinez following Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
Ronaldo had previously refrained from committing to his international future following Portugal's round-of-16 exit to Spain at the World Cup in July. Though the 41-year-old veteran indicated that the tournament would be his final global showpiece, he stopped short of retiring from the national team. His inclusion under Jesus—with whom he recently won a league title at Saudi club Al-Nassr—cements his continuation in the Seleção setup.
Jesus emphasized that squad selection will remain strictly merit-based, noting that Ronaldo will not receive preferential treatment.
"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," Jesus stated. While Ronaldo sits on 146 international goals and is eyeing the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone (currently standing at 979), Jesus remarked that the milestone is more likely to be achieved at club level with Al-Nassr.
Portugal kicks off its new Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24, followed by an away fixture against Norway on September 27, an away match against Denmark on October 1, and a return match hosting Norway on October 4.
Portugal Squad:
• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares
• Defenders: Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva
• Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao