Jorge Jesus names Cristiano Ronaldo in first Portugal squad

Cristiano Ronaldo is not done yet. Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus included the 41-year-old forward in his first squad announcement on September 18, 2026, putting to rest any lingering speculation about international retirement for the most prolific scorer in the history of men’s international football. The 25-man squad will begin its UEFA Nations League Group A campaign against Wales on September 24, with Jesus facing his first real test since taking the reins of a team still processing a disappointing 2026 World Cup exit. A new era with a familiar face Jesus was appointed Portugal’s head coach on July 10, 2026, replacing Roberto Martínez after the team was eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup. The appointment came with a four-year contract that stretches through the 2030 World Cup, a tournament Portugal will co-host alongside Spain. The relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo is not new. The two worked together at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, where Jesus guided Ronaldo and João Félix to a league title. That familiarity clearly carries weight. Ronaldo’s numbers at international level remain almost absurd in their scale: 146 goals in 233 appearances. No mal...