Cristiano Ronaldo included in Portugal squad by Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad, ending the immediate uncertainty over the forward’s international future after the country’s exit from the last World Cup.

Ronaldo stays in Portugal plans

After Portugal’s defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at the last World Cup, Ronaldo said it had been his final tournament and stressed that he would not make any decision about his international future in the heat of the moment. The Al-Nassr player has now had that time to reflect, and Portugal’s latest squad announcement has provided the answer.

Jesus, newly appointed as Portugal head coach, named Ronaldo in his squad for the September-October camp. That means the veteran forward will continue with the national team rather than follow the path taken by Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup.

Jesus makes his stance clear

Speaking at his press conference, Jesus was asked directly about Ronaldo’s inclusion. The coach made clear that his decisions will be driven by present-day performances rather than reputation or past achievements.

Jesus said Ronaldo would be treated like any other player in the squad, even while acknowledging his unique standing in the game and his five Ballons d’Or. The Portugal manager’s message was straightforward: if a player is performing well, he will play; if not, he will not.

That position is notable given the existing relationship between the two men. Jesus worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the 2025/26 season, when they won the Saudi league title together. He also pointed out that there are 13 players in the current Portugal group with whom he has worked before, an important factor as he begins his tenure without a long period to build familiarity.

Nations League tests ahead

Portugal now head into a demanding run of fixtures in League A of the Nations League, with four matches scheduled across the coming weeks. Ronaldo’s selection ensures that one of the defining questions around the squad has been answered before that sequence begins.

• Wales at home on 24 September
• Norway away on 27 September
• Denmark away on 1 October
• Norway at home on 4 October

For Jesus, the challenge is not only to manage a high-profile squad but also to establish quickly that selection will be based on what players are producing now. In that context, Ronaldo’s call-up is significant: it confirms he remains part of Portugal’s immediate plans, but it also comes with a clear condition from the new manager that status alone will not guarantee anything.