Ronaldo keeps Portugal place for Nations League as Jesus names first squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has been retained in Portugal’s national team as new manager Jorge Jesus unveiled his first 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League programme. The selection keeps the 41-year-old captain available for four matches scheduled between 24 September and 4 October, including fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark. Jesus, who took charge of Portugal in July after Roberto Martinez left following the World Cup, said selection will be determined by current performance rather than past achievements. He noted that while Ronaldo’s record and status are different, playing time will depend on how players perform in training and matches. The squad mixes established internationals with players who previously worked under Jesus; the manager indicated there is no fixed core, and that 13 members of the group had experience with him before his appointment. The 25 players include goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares; defenders such as Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias; midfielders including Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva; and forwards including Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix. Ronaldo has previously indicated the 2026 World Cup would likely be his last edition of the tournament, but he has not made a definitive decision about his broader international future. Portugal will begin Jesus’s reign at home to Wales on 24 September before the consecutive fixtures against Norway and Denmark later that week and into early October.