Jorge Jesus names Cristiano Ronaldo in 25-man Portugal squad for Nations League

Ronaldo included for Nations League campaign

New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus announced his first 25-man squad on 18 September 2026 at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of the national team setup. The 41-year-old captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner has played senior professional football since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, subsequently winning trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. In August, Ronaldo stated that the current season would probably be his last as a professional player. Ronaldo had previously confirmed in July that the 2026 tournament was his final World Cup, while leaving his broader international future open. Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr during the previous season, explained that no special discussion was needed with the forward because both men already understand each other's ideas.

Jesus outlines performance standards

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Jesus addressed how he plans to manage the veteran forward during the upcoming international window. The manager emphasized that places in the starting lineup will be determined strictly by active form on the pitch rather than past achievements or status.

“His performance is what matters. The past doesn't count.”

Jesus acknowledged Ronaldo's individual stature and career achievements while clarifying that the forward will be evaluated on the same terms as the rest of the roster.

“Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn't. He has a different status - he has five Ballon d'Or awards - but does that factor into my decisions? No. However, the fact that he is different is.”

Tactical transition and squad composition

The appointment of Jesus in July followed the departure of Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after Portugal suffered a 1-0 round-of-16 defeat to eventual champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. During that tournament, Ronaldo became the first male player to score in six separate World Cups, though Martinez faced public criticism for consistently starting him over backup striker Goncalo Ramos. Jesus noted that his tactical philosophy differs completely from Martinez's setup, though his initial squad contains minimal structural disruption. The 25-man group features 13 players who have previously played under Jesus at club level, alongside recalls for Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva and Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Goalkeepers3

Defenders8

Midfielders6

Forwards8

Goalkeepers

3 players

Defenders

8 players

Midfielders

6 players

Forwards

8 players

Data from the article text

The full squad features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards, drawing talent from European clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Galatasaray.

Title defence schedule across September and October

Portugal enter the group phase as defending Nations League champions after winning the competition in both 2019 and 2025. Jesus will make his managerial debut on 24 September 2026 against Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. The team will then travel north for away fixtures against Norway on 27 September and Denmark on 1 October. The four-game sequence concludes on 4 October with a home match against Norway at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto.

The upcoming schedule tests Portugal against group opponents including Norway, led by striker Erling Haaland, as the national team begins its continental campaign under new leadership.