Ronaldo's Portugal career goes on with 41-year-old

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad, with the new manager selecting 25 players for four upcoming Nations League fixtures. The inclusion of the 41‑year‑old comes weeks after Ronaldo hinted that the coming year could be the final stretch of his career, though he has avoided committing to an international retirement. Portugal’s captain, a five‑time Ballon d’Or winner, missed out on a World Cup title in the summer as Portugal fell to eventual champions Spain in the last sixteen.

Jesus, appointed in July after Roberto Martínez’s departure, insisted performance alone will dictate Ronaldo’s role, stressing that past achievements carry no weight in his decisions. The former Al Nassr coach, who previously worked with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, will debut on September 24 against Wales before travelling to face Norway and Denmark and then hosting Norway again. Portugal enter the window as defending Nations League champions, with Ronaldo’s future still unfolding.