Ronaldo, 41, stays with Portugal, named in squad
Ronaldo, 41, stays with Portugal, named in squad. Skip to main content Skip to navigation Ronaldo, 41, stays with Portugal, named in squad6hAssociated PressMbappé leaves Nike and signs with sponsor On5hESPNOxford sorry for insensitive 9/11 refererence3hPAKily González on Inter Miami decisions: 'You have to listen' to Messi2hLizzy BecheranoRed Bulls teen Hall undecided on USMNT future despite 1st call-up19hESPNCarrick: 'Ridiculous to think' of United pressure4hRob DawsonKane on Ballon d'Or: 73 goals 'speaks for itself'5hJamie BartonWeekend predictions: Madrid derby heats up LaLiga, Brighton to stun Arsenal?
What happened
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for PortugalByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished4 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo has been named in the first squad selected by new Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, ending speculation the 41-year-old could retire from international football. Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Portugal's squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for their upcoming Nations League games on Friday. 4hColin UdohAs San Siro turns 100, AC Milan and Inter prepare to build a new home10hTom HamiltonplayWill Cristiano Ronaldo play at the next World Cup? (2:03)Associated PressMultiple AuthorsSep 18, 2026, 07:41 AM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLISBON, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Portugal's squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for their upcoming Nations League games on Friday.
This was the first squad named by Jesus, who was hired to replace Spaniard Roberto Martinez after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Ronaldo refused to confirm whether he would continue to play for his country after Portugal's World Cup round-of-16 defeat by eventual winners Spain in July. The oldest player in the history of the Euros is Ronaldo's former Portugal team-mate Pepe, who was 41 and 130 days for his last game at Euro 2024.
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The wider picture
Ronaldo, 41, said that this summer's World Cup was his last, but the global star has yet to say when he plans to retire from international play. Jesus' previous coaching job was with Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where they won the league together last season. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is the leading scorer for men's international soccer with 146 goals. His greatest achievement with Portugal was helping them win the 2016 Euros. Portugal will open the Nations League by hosting Wales on Sept.
4. – Saudi Pro League club fined, fans given stadium ban for Diogo Jota chants – Cristiano Ronaldo calls for lifetime bans after Rúben Neves taunted by Diogo Jota chants – Cristiano Ronaldo goal tracker: Road to 1,000 career goals But the Al-Nassr forward is part of a 25-man group chosen for Portugal's four Nations League games between 24 September and 4 October. Jesus has replaced Roberto Martinez, who stepped down as Portugal coach after their World Cup exit.
What has been reported
The 72-year-old was Ronaldo's club boss last season, when the pair helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years. The former Manchester United Real Madrid forward, who announced that this summer's World Cup would be his last, was in tears after Portugal's World Cup exit. Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028. Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes are also in the squad, along with Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea).
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What happens next
23hJeff Kassouf'Africa FC' – What makes the Washington Spirit so attractive to African players? He will be 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, is held. Jesus, 72, has also coached several Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. They play Norway away three days later and then in Denmark on Oct. When asked if he would keep playing for his country, he said: "I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head.
"This sparked speculation he could follow his great rival Lionel Messi and retire from international football. They then play in Denmark on 1 October and return home to host Norway on 4 October.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across espn.com, bbc.co.uk. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.