Jorge Jesus Names Cristiano Ronaldo In Portugal’s Nations League Squad Against Wales And Norway

Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Jorge Jesus’s first 25-man Portugal squad for the defending champions’ four UEFA Nations League matches, with the Portugal captain set to play in the group-stage sequence that starts against Wales on 24 September and ends with a home match against Norway on 4 October.

“Ronaldo is part of a 25-man group chosen for Portugal's four Nations League games between 24 September and 4 October.”

BBC

Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s World Cup exit, told a news conference that “His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” as he framed Ronaldo’s place in his plans for the Nations League.

Al Jazeera

The BBC reported Ronaldo was named in the first squad selected by Jesus, ending speculation about the 41-year-old’s international future after Portugal’s World Cup round-of-16 defeat by eventual winners Spain in July.

The squad announcement also set the match order as Portugal at home to Wales on 24 September, away to Norway three days later, in Denmark on 1 October, and then hosting Norway again on 4 October.

Al Jazeera said Ronaldo was among the 25 players called up for the Nations League fixtures and noted that Jesus will make his debut as Portugal manager against Wales at home on September 24.

Ronaldo’s selection came after he refused to confirm whether he would continue playing for Portugal following the World Cup, and the BBC said he was in tears after Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the round of 16.

When asked if he would keep playing for his country, Ronaldo said: “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” a line that the BBC said sparked speculation he could follow Lionel Messi and retire from international football.

BBC

Jesus also addressed the captain’s status directly, telling reporters: “Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t,” while adding that Ronaldo’s “different status” from his five Ballon d’Or awards would not factor into his decisions.

The BBC further reported that Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez, and that the 72-year-old was Ronaldo’s club boss last season when they helped Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years.

In the same squad list, the BBC named Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes alongside Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea) as part of the Nations League group.

With Ronaldo confirmed for the Nations League, Portugal’s next matches are set as a run through Wales, Norway, Denmark and then Norway again, beginning with the home game on 24 September and continuing with the away trip to Norway on 27 September.

“Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028.”

BBC

The BBC said the 25-man group is for Portugal’s four Nations League games between 24 September and 4 October, and it added that Ronaldo will turn 42 before the next summer’s Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028.

Al Jazeera reported that Jesus will make his debut as Portugal manager against Wales at home on September 24, before Portugal travel to face Norway and Denmark on September 27 and October 1 respectively, and then host Norway on October 4.

The squad list itself, as published by Al Jazeera, included goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares, defenders Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes, midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha and Bernardo Silva, and forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva and Joao Felix.

By keeping Ronaldo in the first Nations League squad of the Jesus era, the announcement positions the tournament as the opening test of how Jesus intends to reshape Portugal after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the World Cup exit.