41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) has been selected for the Portugal national team. Despite speculation that he might retire from international play after the 2026 North American World Cup, Ronaldo will continue to wear the Portugal jersey for the time being.
According to Yonhap News, the Portuguese Football Federation announced on September 18 (local time) the roster of 25 players for four international matches scheduled for September and October. Ronaldo's name is included in this list, allowing him to continue his national team activities.
Ronaldo had previously stated that the recent World Cup would be his last after Portugal lost to Spain 1-0 in the Round of 16 in July. However, he did not confirm his retirement from the national team.
Unlike his two-year-younger rival Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), who has retired from the Argentina national team, Ronaldo is expected to remain active with the Portugal squad. This roster is the first assembled by Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus, who took over after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the World Cup. Jesus is a 72-year-old veteran coach.
Jesus led Al Nassr, Ronaldo's club, to victory in the Saudi Pro League during the 2025-2026 season. Upon his appointment as Portugal's head coach, he expressed confidence in Ronaldo's abilities.
"I haven't spoken to Ronaldo yet, but he is not a player who will ever be a problem for the national team or for me," he said. "If he is available for selection, I will call him up."
The roster also includes players from the English Premier League, such as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), and Pedro Neto (Chelsea).
Portugal will play four international matches in Group D of the UEFA Nations League for the 2026-2027 season. They will begin with a home match against Wales on September 24, followed by an away game against Norway on September 27, a match against Denmark on October 1, and another home game against Norway on October 4.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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