Cristiano Ronaldo Included in New Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus' First Squad
The veteran forward will continue his international career under Jesus, who recently managed him at Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in the first squad selected by new Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, signaling the veteran forward's continuation of his international career.
Ronaldo had declined to confirm his future with the national team after Portugal's elimination from the World Cup in July. However, the Al-Nassr forward is included in a 25-man roster for Portugal's four upcoming Nations League fixtures, scheduled from September 24 to October 4.
Jorge Jesus, 72, takes over as the Portugal coach, replacing Roberto Martinez who departed after the World Cup. Jesus and Ronaldo previously worked together last season, leading Al-Nassr to their first Saudi Pro League title in seven years.
After Portugal's World Cup exit, Ronaldo, who had stated the tournament would be his last, expressed a need to confer with his family before making decisions about his future. This led to speculation that he might retire from international football, following a path similar to his rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo will approach his 42nd birthday before the Nations League finals next summer and would be 43 by Euro 2028. The oldest player in European Championship history is Ronaldo's former teammate Pepe, who was 41 years and 130 days old in his final match at Euro 2024.
Also named in the squad are Manchester United's Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, alongside Ruben Dias from Manchester City and Pedro Neto of Chelsea.
Portugal's Nations League schedule includes a home match against Wales on September 24, followed by an away game against Norway three days later. They will then play in Denmark on October 1 before returning to host Norway on October 4.