Cristiano Ronaldo Recalled to Portugal Squad for Nations League

Cristiano Ronaldo's international career is not over just yet. The 41-year-old has been named in new Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus's first squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, putting weeks of retirement speculation to rest.

A Reunion Two Years in the Making

Jesus takes charge of Portugal after replacing Roberto Martinez, who left following the team's round-of-16 exit to eventual champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The 72-year-old coach knows Ronaldo well — the pair worked together at Al-Nassr last season, winning the Saudi Pro League on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac in which Ronaldo scored twice. It was Al-Nassr's first league title in seven years, and Ronaldo's first Saudi championship at the fourth attempt. Jesus left the club shortly after delivering that title.

Why the Call-Up Matters

Ronaldo had told Vogue last month that this would "probably" be his final season in football, and questions over his Portugal future only grew louder after that World Cup exit. His inclusion in Jesus's first squad now confirms he remains available for international duty. Ronaldo is already the leading scorer in the history of men's international football, with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, and became the first player ever to score at six different World Cups this past summer.

Explaining the decision, Jesus made clear that reputation alone wouldn't have been enough.

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

Chasing 1,000

The extended international window also puts Ronaldo closer to a historic personal milestone: 1,000 career goals for club and country combined. Even so, Jesus was candid in suggesting Ronaldo is more likely to reach that number in an Al-Nassr shirt than a Portuguese one, given how few international appearances remain on the horizon for a player his age.

The Squad Around Him

• Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund) recalled for only his second cap, after a single appearance back in November 2024
• Joao Palhinha (Benfica) returns to the squad for the first time in nearly a year
• Nuno Tavares (Lazio) earns a recall having missed out on the World Cup squad
• Regulars Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Neves all retain their places

What's Next for Portugal

Jesus's first assignment in charge is already a heavyweight one. Portugal, the two-time defending Nations League champions, open their title defence at home against Wales on September 24, the first of four matches inside an 11-day window. For now, at least, Ronaldo will once again be leading the line when they do.