Ronaldo, 41, named in Portugal Nations League squad; performance decides playing time

Jorge Jesus, Portugal's new head coach, included 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in his inaugural squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, announced Friday. Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, stated clearly that playing time will depend entirely on performance in training and matches, not on past achievements or record.

At a press conference, Jesus emphasized the distinction between Ronaldo's historic standing and selection decisions. "The past does not count. However, it is performance that will determine, for him as it is for everyone, the decisions I have to make," Jesus said. He acknowledged Ronaldo's five Ballon d'Or awards and exceptional career but stressed: "Does this affect my decisions? No, it does not affect them at all." Jesus added that while Ronaldo enjoys a different status, he will be treated like all other players on merit.

Ronaldo, 41, has not formally announced his retirement from international football, though he confirmed in July that the 2026 World Cup will be his final global tournament. As the men's international football all-time leading scorer with 146 goals, Ronaldo was also addressed on his progress toward 1,000 career goals. Jesus suggested this milestone is more likely to be achieved with Ronaldo's Saudi club Al-Nassr than with Portugal.

Jesus, 72, took over after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal's round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain defeated them 1–0. The squad includes 13 players Jesus has previously worked with, helping him establish continuity as he begins his tenure without yet having a fully settled core group. Portugal opens the Nations League at home against Wales on September 24, followed by away matches against Norway (September 27) and Denmark (October 1), before hosting Norway again on October 4.