Ronaldo named in Portugal's Nations League squad, ends retirement talk
Synopsis
Cristiano Ronaldo's international career is not over — not yet. Named in Jorge Jesus's very first Portugal squad, the 41-year-old forward has answered retirement speculation with selection, bringing his pursuit of 1,000 career goals and a remarkable late-career chapter back to the international stage.
Key Takeaways
Cristiano Ronaldo , aged 41 , has been named in Portugal 's UEFA Nations League squad, ending retirement speculation.
New coach Jorge Jesus included Ronaldo in his first squad selection after replacing Roberto Martinez following the FIFA World Cup 2026 exit.
Jesus stated Ronaldo will receive no preferential treatment : 'if he performs well, he plays.' Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in men's international football with 146 goals and stands at 979 career goals — chasing the 1,000-goal milestone.
Portugal open their Nations League campaign against Wales on 24 September .
Cristiano Ronaldo has silenced speculation about his international future after being included in Portugal's squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures on 18 September 2026. New head coach Jorge Jesus handed Ronaldo a recall in his very first squad selection, confirming that the veteran forward remains available for national team duty.
Background: Why Retirement Was on the Table
The uncertainty had been building since Portugal were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain in July. The 41-year-old Ronaldo had previously indicated the tournament might be his final World Cup but stopped short of formally announcing his retirement from international football — leaving supporters and pundits guessing.
His inclusion in Jesus' squad now puts that debate to rest, at least for the foreseeable future, as Portugal enter a fresh era under their new head coach.
Jorge Jesus Takes Charge — and Sets the Ground Rules
Jorge Jesus was appointed Portugal head coach following the World Cup exit, replacing Roberto Martinez. Jesus is no stranger to Ronaldo, having previously worked with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at club level in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where the pair won the league title last season.
Despite that prior relationship, Jesus was unequivocal that Ronaldo would receive no preferential treatment. 'All the called-up players are at my disposal; if he performs well, he plays. If he doesn't perform well, he doesn't play. That's how I treat everyone,' Jesus told reporters.
Ronaldo's Record Chase — 979 and Counting
Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in men's international football with 146 international goals. He is also closing in on an extraordinary personal milestone: 1,000 career goals across club and international football, currently sitting at 979.
Jesus, however, believes the milestone is more likely to come in the Saudi Pro League than at international level. 'I think he's more likely to score his thousandth goal for Al-Nassr than for the Portuguese national team,' the coach said.
Portugal's Nations League Schedule
Portugal open their Nations League campaign at home against Wales on 24 September, before travelling to face Norway on 27 September. They then visit Denmark on 1 October before hosting Norway again on 4 October.
Full Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares.
Defenders: Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes.
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao.
With Portugal entering a new managerial cycle and Ronaldo closing in on a historic 1,000-goal landmark, his Nations League appearances will be closely watched both for performance and for what they signal about how much longer one of football's greatest careers will continue.
Point of View
Who is careful to frame selection on merit rather than legacy. That framing is smart; it gives Jesus cover to drop Ronaldo if form demands it, while avoiding the political minefield of axing a national icon. The more interesting subplot is the 1,000-goal chase: at 979, Ronaldo is 21 goals away from a milestone no footballer has reached in professional football. Jesus's comment that Al-Nassr is a likelier venue than Portugal for the landmark quietly signals how limited Ronaldo's international minutes may be — even if his place in the squad is secure for now.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo's international future in doubt?
Ronaldo's future with Portugal was uncertain after the team's round-of-16 defeat to Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July. The 41-year-old had suggested the tournament could be his last World Cup but never formally announced retirement from international football, leaving his status unresolved.
Who is Jorge Jesus and why is he coaching Portugal?
Jorge Jesus is the newly appointed Portugal head coach, brought in to replace Roberto Martinez after Portugal's World Cup 2026 exit. He is familiar with Ronaldo, having previously coached him at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where the pair won the league title last season.
How many career goals does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
Ronaldo currently stands at 979 career goals across club and international football, putting him 21 goals short of the historic 1,000-goal milestone. He is also the all-time top scorer in men's international football with 146 goals.
When does Portugal play their first Nations League match?
Portugal open their UEFA Nations League campaign at home against Wales on 24 September, followed by an away fixture against Norway on 27 September, a trip to Denmark on 1 October, and a home match against Norway on 4 October.
Will Ronaldo definitely play in the Nations League fixtures?
His inclusion in the squad confirms his availability, but coach Jorge Jesus has made clear that selection is merit-based. 'If he performs well, he plays. If he doesn't perform well, he doesn't play,' Jesus told reporters, signalling that starting XI decisions will depend on form.
