Cristiano Ronaldo included in Jorge Jesus's first Portugal squad

Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the first Portugal squad selected by new coach Jorge Jesus on 18 September 2026, a 25-man group chosen ahead of four Nations League matches between 24 September and 4 October; the selection ended speculation that the 41-year-old might retire from international football.

Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal and had declined to confirm whether he would continue after Portugal's World Cup round-of-16 defeat by eventual winners Spain in July; he had announced that this summer's World Cup would be his last and was in tears after Portugal's exit. When asked if he would keep playing for his country, he said: "I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head." This response sparked speculation he could follow his great rival Lionel Messi and retire from international football.

Jesus has replaced Roberto Martinez, who stepped down as Portugal coach after their World Cup exit. Jesus, 72, was Ronaldo's club boss last season and the pair helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years.

The 25-man squad includes the Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo and Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, plus Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea). The selection covers four Nations League fixtures scheduled between late September and early October.

Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028. The oldest player in the history of the Euros remains his former Portugal team-mate Pepe, who was 41 years and 130 days for his last game at Euro 2024.

Portugal's Nations League schedule begins at home to Wales on 24 September (19:45 BST), is followed by an away match in Norway three days later, then a game in Denmark on 1 October, and concludes with a home fixture against Norway on 4 October. Ronaldo's inclusion makes him available for those fixtures.