Cristiano Ronaldo Retained as New Portugal Coach Jorge Jesus Names Nations League Squad

Cristiano Ronaldo will continue his international career with Portugal after being included in new head coach Jorge Jesus’ squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The veteran forward remains part of the national team as Jesus begins his tenure in charge, ending immediate speculation over Ronaldo’s future with the Portuguese side.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, remains one of the most experienced members of the squad. His inclusion also gives Jesus the opportunity to work with the 41-year-old as he begins shaping the team for the next phase of international football.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the selection on Friday, reporting that Ronaldo had been called up by Jesus for Portugal’s upcoming matches.

Portugal will open their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign on September 24 when they host Wales. The European champions will then travel to Norway four days later for their second Group A, Group 4 fixture.

Jesus’ side will face another away test against Denmark on October 1 before hosting Norway on October 4 in their fourth group-stage match.

Portugal will return to action in November, travelling to Denmark on November 14 before completing their group campaign away to Wales on November 17.

Portugal are in League A, Group 4 alongside Wales, Norway and Denmark, with the fixtures providing Jesus with his first competitive tests since taking charge of the national team.

Ronaldo’s presence will add considerable experience to a squad entering a new coaching era. The forward has remained a central figure in Portuguese football for many years and continues to hold the national records for appearances and goals.

For Jesus, the coming Nations League fixtures will provide an early opportunity to assess his squad and establish his approach, with Ronaldo among the players selected to help lead Portugal into the next phase of international competition.