The 41-year-old forward joins new coach Jorge Jesus for the Nations League campaign, potentially his final season in international football.
Portugal has turned to Jorge Jesus to lead the national team into a new era, with the veteran coach naming his first squad since taking over from Roberto Martinez. The appointment comes after Portugal’s disappointing exit from the World Cup, where the team fell in the Round of 16. Jesus, 72, previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he guided the side to the Pro League title before departing in May.
Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad carries particular significance given his recent comments suggesting this would “probably” be his final season in football. The 41-year-old remains the leading international goalscorer in men’s football history, having netted 146 goals across 233 appearances for his country. At the recent World Cup, he became the first player ever to score at six different World Cup tournaments, though his performances drew mixed reviews and prompted debate about his continued role in the team.
Jesus has also recalled Borussia Dortmund’s Fabio Silva, who returns for his first call-up since a sole appearance in November 2024, and Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha, who earns his first selection in nearly a year. Portugal will begin their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon on September 24, followed by matches against Norway, Denmark, and a return fixture with Norway in early October.
Portugal’s Nations League pedigree is strong, having won the competition twice in four editions. The team are the defending champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final, setting a high bar for their defence of the title.
The Nations League is a biennial international football competition organized by UEFA that began in 2018. Portugal has established itself as one of the tournament’s most successful teams, winning it twice and reaching the final on three occasions. The competition serves as an alternative to traditional friendly matches and provides competitive fixtures between World Cup and European Championship tournaments.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Sports · Island routing: Jamaica