Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad under new coach Jesus at age 41

Cristiano Ronaldo is back in international contention after being named in Portugal's squad for the first time under new head coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward was included in the 25-man group for Portugal's four Nations League matches between 24 September and 4 October.

Ronaldo had left his international future open after Portugal's round-of-16 exit at the summer World Cup — a tournament they lost to eventual winners Spain. He was seen in tears after the defeat and said he would "meet the family and take decisions with a calm head," fuelling speculation he might follow Lionel Messi into international retirement.

Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season and helped the Saudi club win the Pro League for the first time in seven years, has replaced Roberto Martinez as Portugal boss after Martinez stepped down following the World Cup.

The squad also includes Manchester United duo Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, and Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.

Portugal play Wales at home on 24 September, then travel to Norway, Denmark, and back home to face Norway again by 4 October.

Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028. The oldest player in European Championship history remains former Portugal teammate Pepe, who was 41 years and 130 days old when he played at Euro 2024.

Analysis

Why this matters

Ronaldo's continued availability stabilises Portugal's attacking options under a manager who already trusts him from club football.
At 41, his selection raises questions about the balance between experience and the need to develop younger forwards ahead of Euro 2028.
The four September fixtures will be an early test of Jorge Jesus' ability to manage a generational transition while keeping his most iconic player motivated.

Background

Ronaldo has long been Portugal's most capped and most prolific international, with 146 goals in 233 appearances. After announcing before the World Cup that the tournament would be his last, his emotional exit prompted doubts over his international future. Jorge Jesus, who previously coached at Benfica, Sporting and Al-Hilal among others, took over from Roberto Martinez after Portugal's early World Cup exit. Their relationship at Al-Nassr, where they won a league title together, was seen as a key factor in Ronaldo's return.

Key perspectives

The player: Ronaldo remains ambitious and determined to keep playing at the highest level, and his decision to continue suggests he still believes he can contribute to the national team, even at age 41.
The coach: Jorge Jesus has shown faith in Ronaldo by including him immediately, and will likely rely on the veteran's experience while gradually integrating younger players around him.
The critics: Some fans and pundits may argue that selecting Ronaldo at 41 blocks opportunities for in-form younger forwards and that Portugal should use this Nations League cycle to build a squad for Euro 2028 without him.

What to watch

Watch Ronaldo's minutes and goal output across the four September qualifiers — if he struggles or is benched, questions will intensify about his role.
Watch for how Jesus sets up the attack: whether he names Ronaldo as a lone striker or alongside younger talents like Gonçalo Ramos or João Félix.
The Nations League finals next summer will be a major milestone; if Ronaldo is named in that squad, his timeline extends toward Euro 2028.

Analysis

Why this matters

Background

Key perspectives

What to watch

Sources