Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for the start of the Nations League campaign, with new head coach Jorge Jesus naming his first squad since taking charge of the national team.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to begin what could be the final season of his illustrious career after saying last month that it would “probably” be his last in professional football.
The Al-Nassr forward has scored more than 950 goals for club and country and remains the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.
Jesus, 72, previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr before leaving the club in May after guiding them to the league title. He was appointed Portugal coach following Roberto Martinez’s departure after the team’s last-16 exit at the World Cup.
Ronaldo became the first player to score at six World Cups last summer, although his performances at the tournament attracted criticism, while Martinez also came under scrutiny for continuing to rely on the veteran forward as captain.
Jesus has also recalled Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva, who earns his first Portugal call-up since making his only senior international appearance in November 2024.
Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha has also returned to the squad for the first time in almost a year.
Portugal have won the Nations League twice in the competition’s four editions and enter the new campaign as reigning champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.
Portugal will open their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon on September 24 before travelling to face Norway in Oslo three days later.
They will then play Denmark away on October 1 before hosting Norway in Porto on October 4.
