Nations League: Ronaldo named in new coach Jorge Jesus' first Portugal squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Jorge Jesus' first Portugal squad as the veteran forward begins another international campaign with the new head coach. The 41-year-old remains part of Portugal's plans for the UEFA Nations League despite having said that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last.Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad under new coach Jesus (Image: Reuters)Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal's squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, with new head coach Jorge Jesus retaining the 41-year-old captain in his first squad announcement on Friday.Ronaldo had said that this summer's FIFA World Cup would be his last, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has not yet announced when he plans to end his international career. He will be 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, is held.This is the first Portugal squad selected by Jesus since he replaced Roberto Martinez, who left the job following the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where the two helped the club win the league last season. The 72-year-old has also managed several of Portugal's leading clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo remains the leading goalscorer in men's international football with 146 goals. He helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 and has remained a key figure for the national team throughout his career.The Portugal captain is also closing in on 1,000 career goals, having scored 979 so far. Jesus, however, believes Ronaldo is more likely to reach the milestone with Al-Nassr than with the national team. "I think he's more likely to score his thousandth goal for Al-Nassr than for the Portuguese national team," Jesus said.JESUS ON RONALDOJesus said Ronaldo's status would not guarantee him a place in the starting XI, insisting that the forward would be treated like every other player when it comes to selection."All the called-up players are at my disposal," Jesus said. "If he performs well, he plays. If he doesn't perform well, he doesn't play. That's how I treat everyone."Jesus acknowledged, however, that Ronaldo's career gives him a different status within the squad. "Now, does Cris have a different status? Yes. His career is different," he said. "He has five Ballon d'Or awards. But does that influence my decisions? No. It doesn't influence anything, zero, but he is different from the others."PORTUGAL SQUADGoalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel SoaresDefenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Nuno TavaresMidfielders: Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno FernandesForwards: Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Fabio SilvaPortugal will begin its Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24. Jesus' side will then travel to face Norway three days later before taking on Denmark away on October 1. Portugal will host Norway on October 4.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 18, 2026 18:03 IST