Portugal captain Ronaldo remains in contention under new boss Jorge Jesus
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal career will continue after the 41-year-old was included in Jorge Jesus’ first squad as national-team manager.
Jesus named a 25-man group for Portugal’s next four Nations League matches, with the reigning champions set to begin their campaign at home to Wales on 24 September.
Portugal then travel to face Norway on 27 September and Denmark on 1 October, before hosting Norway again on 4 October.
Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, had fuelled talk of retirement in August when he suggested that next year could be his final season as a professional.
The forward confirmed in July that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, though he stopped short of putting a deadline on his international career.
Portugal were unable to add the World Cup to Ronaldo’s collection this summer. They were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual winners Spain.
Jesus made clear that Ronaldo’s place will depend on form rather than reputation.
“What's important is his form. The past means nothing now,” Jesus said at Friday’s press conference. “Cris is a player like any other. If he plays well, he’ll play; if not, he won’t. He has a different status — he has won five Ballons d’Or — but does that influence my decisions? No.”
The 72-year-old was appointed in July, days after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal’s World Cup exit. Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
