Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures by new head coach Jorge Jesus, marking a continuation of the 41-year-old’s storied international career despite his earlier suggestions that the recent World Cup would be his final tournament.
The announcement, made on Friday, represents the first squad selection by Jesus, who was appointed to replace Spanish coach Roberto Martínez following Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup round of 16. The 72-year-old Jesus brings a unique connection to the Portuguese superstar, having previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where the pair won the league title together last season.
Ronaldo, who turns 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship takes place, has not officially announced his retirement from international football. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer with 146 goals and was instrumental in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph, the nation’s greatest achievement on the international stage.
The reunion of Jesus and Ronaldo raises intriguing questions about Portugal’s tactical direction. Jesus, a veteran tactician who has also managed Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, is known for his attacking philosophy and man-management skills. His previous success with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia suggests a deep understanding of how to maximize the veteran forward’s capabilities even at this late stage of his career.
Portugal faces a crucial Nations League campaign ahead, opening with a home fixture against Wales on September 24, followed by away matches against Norway and Denmark, before hosting Norway again on October 4. These matches will serve as Jesus’s first test as he seeks to rebuild a squad that fell short of expectations at the World Cup.
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The inclusion of Ronaldo at 41 underscores a delicate balancing act for the new coach: honoring the legacy of Portugal’s greatest-ever player while potentially planning for a post-Ronaldo future. With the next major tournament, Euro 2028, just two years away, Jesus must navigate the present while preparing for an inevitable transition.
For Ronaldo, the call-up represents more than just another squad selection. It is a testament to his enduring physical condition, his continued goal-scoring prowess, and his irreplaceable status within the Portuguese national setup. As football evolves and younger talents emerge, Ronaldo’s presence remains a bridge between Portugal’s golden generation and its aspiring future stars.
As the Nations League approaches, all eyes will be on how Jesus integrates his former club star into a refreshed tactical system, and whether Ronaldo’s international story has truly reached its final chapter or if there are still more pages to be written.
Promise Idoko is Junior Reporter working with moderncrux He covers global politics and international affairs. Based in Nigeria,
