Ronaldo Named in Portugal Squad for Nations League Campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, following the appointment of Jorge Jesus as the national team’s new head coach.

The 41-year-old forward was named in Jesus’ first squad since taking charge of Portugal. Ronaldo had said last month that the ongoing season would “probably” be his final campaign in professional football.

Ronaldo, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, previously worked with Jesus at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Jesus left the club in May after guiding them to the Saudi Pro League title before replacing Roberto Martinez as Portugal coach following the team’s last-16 exit at the World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.

He also made history at last summer’s World Cup by becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament. However, his performances attracted criticism, while Martinez faced scrutiny over his continued reliance on the veteran captain.

Jesus has also recalled Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva, who returns to the national team for the first time since making his only international appearance in November 2024.

Benfica midfielder João Palhinha has also returned to the squad after almost a year away from international duty.

Portugal are two-time Nations League champions and enter the 2026–27 campaign as defending champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.

They will open their title defence against Wales in Lisbon on September 24, before travelling to Oslo to face Norway three days later. Portugal will then play Denmark away on October 1 and host Norway in Porto on October 4.